1. What are Tonsil Stones?

Tonsil Stones, also known as Tonsilloliths, are small lumps of calcified material that may form on or in the tonsils, the small lymph nodes at the back of your throat. They can range in size from tiny specs to larger chunks and can range in color from white to yellow to brown. Tonsil stones are more common in adults than in children and are usually painless, but can cause sore throat, bad breath, and difficulty swallowing.

2. What Causes Tonsil Stones?

Tonsil stones occur when bacteria, food particles, and other debris become trapped in the crevasses of the tonsils, which are tissue structures made up of lymphocytes designed to help protect the body from infections. Over time, these trapped particles can harden and calcify, resulting in a tonicla stone. Additional factors that may lead to the formation of tonsil stones can include poor oral hygiene, smoking, and allergies.

3. What Do Tonsil Stones Look Like?

Tonsil stones vary in size and color, but they typically appear as small, yellowish-white lumps in the back of the throat. Some stones may be visible to the naked eye, while other may only be detectable with an instrument such as an endoscope. When viewed under a microscope, these stones are typically made up of bacteria, cell debris, and other organic material.