Tonsil stones, also called tonsilloliths or tonsilliths, are growths that can form on the tonsils. These bumps can range in size from a grain of rice to a grape. In rare cases, tonsil stones can be large enough to interfere with swallowing or breathing, says Aaron Thatcher, MD, clinical assistant professor with the department of otolaryngology at the University of Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor. They may also be so small or embedded so deeply in the tissue of the tonsils that they are not visible. They can be squishy or hard and are typically pale-yellow in color. (1,2) RELATED: Tonsil Stone Symptoms and When to See a Doctor While tonsil stones may be troublesome, they are generally not harmful. And they are not a sign of cancer or another illness “I see it fairly regularly,” says Jennifer Setlur, MD, an otolaryngologist at Massachusetts Eye and Ear in Boston. “It doesn’t generally lead to negative outcomes.” Still, tonsil stones can be uncomfortable. People who are prone to tonsil stones can experience chronic discomfort and bad breath — two common symptoms in people who have tonsil stones. Other common symptoms include pressure in the ears and red or irritated tonsils, according to the Cleveland Clinic. RELATED: Drinking Alcohol Increases Disease-Causing Mouth Bacteria Part of the reason tonsil stones form has to do with the structure of one’s tonsils. Some people have tonsils that are characterized by deep pits and craters, commonly referred to as “crypts.” Tonsil stones can develop in these cavities when bacteria, food particles, saliva, mucus, and other debris build up and get trapped. “This material builds up because the crypts have a vase shape,” says Dr. Thatcher. “It lets food in and enables it to stay.” (1,2) Some researchers have described the formation of tonsil stones as similar to the formation of plaque on our teeth. That said, brushing, flossing, and gargling regularly can reduce bacteria and remove particles in the mouth and help minimize or prevent stones from forming, says Dr. Setlur. RELATED: Best Electronic Toothbrushes for Healthier Teeth You can also use a water flosser to dislodge tonsil stones and keep the tonsils free of debris. (1,2) Additionally, teenagers and those with chronic dehydration, chronic sinus issues, tobacco use, or deeper tonsillar crypts are more likely to develop tonsil stones, according to Texas ENT & Allergy. Research indicates that development of tonsil stones is not related to formation of stones in other areas of the body, either. A small 2014 study analyzed tonsilloliths in patients attending the oral and maxillofacial radiology clinic of the University of Iowa and found that there is no correlation between formation of tonsil stones and development of stones in other body tissues, ducts, or organs. (5) In some cases, tonsil stones may increase your risk of tonsillitis (inflammation or infection of your tonsils). And in rare cases, if the growths are very large, they may cause breathing or swallowing problems, according to a 2018 paper. (1,6) RELATED: Home Remedies and What Doctors Can Do to Get Rid of Tonsil Stones If you suspect that you may have tonsil stones, it’s important to see an otolaryngologist to get the right diagnosis and rule out other serious medical problems that may be causing some of your symptoms, such as strep throat, tonsillitis, or cancer. And be sure to see your doctor if you spot any of the following symptoms, which can be a sign of infection or more serious medical problem: (1)
A chronic sore throat that lasts more than a monthBreathing problemsTrouble swallowingSevere pain, especially on one side (It could be a sign of an infection, says Thatcher.)One tonsil is larger than the other (This may indicate that you have another problem, such as cancer, according to Thatcher.)
