Tonsil Stones

Did You Know?

TONSIL STONES ARE NOT FOOD
STUCK IN THE TONSIL
 

Tonsil stones or tonsilloliths are clusters of calcified material formed in the crevices of the tonsils or tonsillar crypts. Patients can feel them in their throat, even if they can't see them. They can poke them out with a Qtip or Waterpik and spit them out. They are a common cause of bad breath and an occasional cause of throat pain. They may feel like lodged food but actually result from the growth of bacteria and debris from a low grade tonsillitis (chronic tonsillitis). They can be treated with simple removal of the stones, antibiotic therapy or tonsillectomy.