What are tonsil stones

what are tonsil stones

What are tonsil stones?

Answer: Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are hard, yellowish formations that can develop on the tonsils. They are created when debris, such as food particles, dead cells, and mucus, get trapped and calcify in the crevices of the tonsils. Tonsil stones are usually accompanied by symptoms like bad breath, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, ear pain, and swollen tonsils.

These stones are not usually a cause for serious concern, but they can be bothersome and cause discomfort. Maintaining good oral hygiene, gargling with salt water, staying hydrated, and using a water flosser to clean the tonsils can help prevent tonsil stones from forming. In severe cases, where tonsil stones are large or recurring frequently, a medical professional may recommend tonsillectomy to remove the tonsils altogether.