What are tonsil stones?

Q: I've recently been suffering from bad breath and when I did some research on the internet, I found there's a link with tonsil stones. I've had tonsillitis in the past, which makes me think that this what I have. Can you tell me more about them? Marie, 29

A: People who have had severe tonsillitis can be left with enlarged, scarred tonsils with lots of indentations. These can trap food and other debris, or become filled with dead white blood cells - and this causes bad breath. What you're left with are greyish-white flecks on your tonsils which, if removed, are quite hard - hence the term 'tonsil stones'. You don't have to have them removed, but to combat your bad breath, you could try using a mouthwash such as Dentyl pH or Corsodyl regularly (both are available from chemists). However, if your tonsils are very scarred and you get frequent sore throats, surgical removal might be appropriate. But there are more than 20 common causes of halitosis so tonsil stones might not be responsible. Brushing your teeth regularly and using mouthwash can help, but if the problem continues, ask your pharmacist for advice.

Q: I burnt myself on the oven a few weeks ago and because I kept knocking the wound, it wouldn't heal. Now it's started to bleed and looks infected. What should I do? Joanna, 35

A: The trouble with burns is that because they breach the surface of the skin, infection can easily get in from outside. Plus the serum that is exuded from the deeper layers of the wound provides a wonderful breeding ground for bacteria. Once infection sets in, the wound is less likely to heal and there's the risk that the bacteria can spread further up the arm. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to take a look because you may need an antiseptic or antibiotics. In the meantime, keep the wound as clean and dry as possible and invest in a good pair of oven gloves for future use.

Health hero : Milk
New research by scientists at The University of Western Australia has discovered that people who drink a glass of milk in the morning eat nine per cent less at lunchtime. Apparently the protein and lactose found in milk helps dieters feel fuller for longer, therefore curbing the appetite and stopping you from eating so much. Plus, as we all know, milk is a great source of calcium - a mineral we need to keep our bones and teeth healthy. Make ours a glass of the white stuff then!

FACT vs FICTION
Chewing gum takes years to digest: FICTION
The idea that swallowed chewing gum stays in the body for years - or gets tangled around your internal organs - is total rubbish. Chewing gum is completely indigestible and if it is swallowed, it's passed naturally through the body within 24-48 hours. Otherwise there would be lots of people whose bodies are chock-a-block with gum!