Tonsil Stones (Tonsilloliths) Written by Hilary Parker Show
Medically Reviewed by Jennifer Robinson, MD on November 19, 2021 In this Article
Tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths, are hard, sometimes painful bits of bacteria and debris that get stuck in nooks on your tonsils. Your tonsils are gland-like structures in the back of your throat. You have one on each side. Tonsils are made of tissue with lymphocytes, cells that prevent and fight infections. Many experts think your tonsils play a role in your immune system and are meant to work like nets, trapping bacteria and viruses that come in through your throat. But your tonsils don’t always do their job well. For some people, they’re more trouble than help. Research suggests that people who have their tonsils removed are no more likely to get bacterial or viral infections than people with who keep their tonsils. Your tonsils are filled with nooks and crannies where bacteria and other things, including dead cells and mucus, can get trapped. When this happens, the debris can bond together. Tonsil stones form when this debris hardens, or calcifies. This tends to happen most often in people who have long-term inflammation in their tonsils or repeated cases of tonsillitis. Many people have small tonsilloliths, but it’s rare to have a large tonsil stone. Tonsil Stone SymptomsSmall tonsil stones may not cause any symptoms that you’d notice. Even when they’re large, some tonsil stones are found only after X-rays or CT scans. Symptoms include:
Your doctor can usually diagnose tonsil stones with a physical exam. If they’re hidden in the folds of your tonsils, you might need imaging tests, such as CT or MRI scans, to spot them. Many tonsil stones, especially those that don’t have symptoms, don’t need special treatment. It depends on their size and whether they might cause you trouble. Treatments include:
Tonsil Stone Home RemediesFor smaller stones, you can try:
Tonsil Stone ComplicationsLarge tonsil stones can cause swollen tonsils and give you trouble swallowing. Tonsil stones can also sometimes trigger infections. Tonsil Stone PreventionPeople who have long-term tonsillitis are more likely to get tonsil stones. The only way to prevent them is to remove your tonsils. Good dental habits can help prevent tonsil stones. Brush and floss your teeth regularly to remove bacteria and keep things from getting stuck in your tonsils. Gargling after eating can also prevent food buildup. SOURCES: American Academy of Otolaryngology: "Tonsils and Adenoids." Ansai, T and Takehara, T. British Dental Journal, Mar 2005; vol 198: pp 263-264. Australian Department of Health: “Tonsil stones.” UPMC: “What Are Tonsil Stones (Tonsilloliths)? Tonsil Stone Symptoms and Treatment.” Ear, Nose and Throat Journal: “Coblation Cryptolysis to Treat Tonsil Stones: A Retrospective Case Series.” |