Have you ever heard of tonsil stones, or have you ever had them? While they aren’t dangerous to your health, they’re certainly not something you want in your throat. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about tonsil stones, how to get rid of them, and how to prevent them from forming.
What you need to know about tonsil stones
Tonsillitis, also known as tonsil stones, consists of small, whitish-yellowish bumps, similar to pimples, that form in the folds of the tonsils. While they are not usually a serious health problem, they can cause discomfort and halitosis (bad breath). They are more common in children and young adults, but can also occur in older people. They generally form when food particles become trapped in the tonsils and mix with dead cells and bacteria. Over time, these particles harden into small stones that can be easily removed by a dentist or doctor.
Symptoms of tonsil stones
Calcified tonsils often go unnoticed if they are small, but they can cause various symptoms when they increase in size or number. Some common symptoms include:
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Sore throat or difficulty swallowing
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Swollen tonsils
- Pain or pressure in the ear
- Persistent cough
- Tonsil infections or tonsillitis
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis. Below, we’ll look at how tonsil stones are diagnosed and treated.
