You may be familiar with tonsillitis, but have you heard of tonsil stones or tonsilloliths? If you look at your tonsils at the base of your throat and notice white spots, you could be looking at tonsil stones. Tonsil stones are generally not a serious condition, but they can cause bad breath and discomfort in the throat.

The cause of the formation of tonsil stones

The tonsils are a pair of soft tissues located on the left and right sides of the base of the throat. The tonsils are part of the immune system that fights bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the throat. There are many crevices and grooves in the tonsils called crypts. In these crypts, tonsil stones are usually yellowish-white in color and can stick to the tonsils.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, tonsil stones are hard lumps formed in the tonsils. These lumps are formed when various types of debris, such as dead cells, mucus, saliva, and food debris, become trapped and accumulate in the crypts. Tonsil stones form when these lumps harden or become calcified. Tonsil stones can be as small as sesame seeds, but some may have larger tonsil stones.

Symptoms of tonsil stones

Tonsil stones rarely cause noticeable symptoms. However, as tonsil stones grow, the tonsils may swell and cause an uncomfortable lump in the throat. Other indications of tonsil stones include bad breath, a sore throat, particularly when swallowing, white solid lumps in the throat, and ear pain.

How to remove tonsil stones

Although tonsil stones are harmless, many want them removed because they cause bad breath. Fortunately, tonsil stones can come out independently when you cough or sneeze. Tonsil stones can also be removed at home using the following remedies:

1. Gargle

Gargling not only clears the throat but also helps remove tonsil stones. You can try gargling with warm water mixed with half a teaspoon of salt, then gargle at the base of the throat. Do this after eating or when you have throat discomfort.

2. Using a cotton swab

If the tonsil stones are visible and easily accessible, use a cotton swab to remove them. Gently push or wipe the tonsils until the tonsil stone comes out, and avoid removing the tonsil stone by prying. Deep cuts can lead to injury and infection of the tonsils. If you need help, you should consult a doctor to get the proper treatment.

3. Surgery

If tonsil stones are a recurring problem and frequently occur in large sizes, your doctor may recommend surgery. If the tonsil stones persist, the doctor may suggest surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy).

4. Cryptolysis

Cryptolysis is a tonsil stone removal procedure that involves using a laser or radio waves to remove both the crypts and the tonsil stones. This procedure is relatively safe and has minimal risk of bleeding.

Tonsil stones are not a serious condition, but the effect of bad breath can lower your self-confidence. Tonsil stones can be avoided by practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing your teeth after meals and rinsing your mouth regularly. If you're having trouble removing tonsil stones and they're causing additional problems, it would be prudent to consult a medical professional.