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. Here are some causes of this condition and treatment.
What are Tonsil Stones?
Tonsil stones are small lumps of hard material that form in the tonsils. Tonsil stones can cause bad breath though they’re usually not painful or harmful.
What Is Tonsil?
The tonsils are a pair of small, oval-shaped bits of tissue at the back of your throat. They have folds, gaps and crevices called tonsillar crypts. Tonsils are part of your immune system, which helps protect against infection.
What Are The Causes?
Tonsil stones are caused by materials and debris trapped in the tonsillar crypts. The material can harden or calcify, forming stones. Trapped material could include bacteria or fungi, etc.
Symptoms Of Tonsil Stones
Some tonsil stones don’t cause any symptoms. However, it may include bad breath, cough, sore throat, bad taste in your mouth, small white or yellow stone that you may spit up, etc.
Treatment
Usually, treatment aims to manage tonsil stone symptoms. There isn’t a specific treatment method for stones. Make sure to brush your teeth regularly and gargle with warm salt water.
See a doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms or your condition persists longer and affects your overall health.