If you’ve ever experienced a strange feeling in the back of your throat, noticed white or yellowish deposits on your tonsils, or had persistent bad breath despite good oral hygiene, you might be dealing with tonsil stones (also known as tonsilloliths ). While they’re generally harmless, tonsil stones can cause discomfort and other symptoms that may concern you. Let’s break down what tonsil stones are, why they form, how to identify them, and what you can do about them.
What Are Tonsil Stones?
Tonsil stones are small, calcified deposits that form in the crevices (crypts) of your tonsils. They’re made up of trapped debris such as food particles, bacteria, mucus, and dead cells. Over time, this debris hardens into tiny, stone-like formations. While most tonsil stones are small and asymptomatic, larger ones can cause noticeable symptoms.
What Causes Tonsil Stones?
