From the Research
Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are small, hard deposits that form in the crevices of your tonsils, and they are typically managed expectantly, with small tonsilloliths being common clinical findings, as noted in the study published in the American Family Physician in 2023 1.
Definition and Formation
Tonsil stones develop when food particles, bacteria, dead cells, and mucus get trapped in the small pockets of the tonsils and calcify over time.
- They are usually white or yellowish in color and can range from the size of a grain of rice to the size of a pea.
- Common symptoms include bad breath, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, ear pain, and the sensation of something being stuck in the throat.
Management and Prevention
Most tonsil stones are harmless and can be managed at home by:
- Gently removing them with a cotton swab
- Gargling with salt water
- Using a water flosser on the lowest setting Regular oral hygiene practices like brushing your teeth, tongue, and using alcohol-free mouthwash can help prevent their formation.
Medical Intervention
For persistent or particularly troublesome tonsil stones, a healthcare provider might recommend:
- Tonsil cryptolysis (smoothing the tonsil surface)
- In severe cases, tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils), as mentioned in the study published in the American Family Physician in 2023 1. Tonsil stones form because the tonsils' surface contains numerous folds and crevices where debris can accumulate, providing an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and calcification to occur, as supported by the study published in Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral y Cirugia Bucal in 2005 2.