If you’ve ever found small, whiteish lumps in the back of your throat, you may have had tonsil stones. These little pieces of hard material, scientifically known as tonsilloliths, are experienced by approximately one in ten people. While tonsil stones may seem like nothing more than a minor irritation, they can lead to some uncomfortable and unpleasant symptoms.  

But what actually are tonsil stones?  

Tonsil stones are formed from mineralized and hardened debris, alongside bacteria, that have become trapped in the crevices of your tonsils. Everyone’s tonsils are somewhat unique in their shape and size. That’s why different people are more or less prone to developing them – it’s all up to the structure of your tonsils.  

It’s possible to develop them without any underlying explanation, but tonsil stones are often caused by tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils – usually viral in nature – that’s common in childhood but still occurring through adulthood. This infection can feel flu-like and lead to swollen, red tonsils. These swollen tonsils are much more likely to hold on to debris in your mouth, which then leads to the formation of more tonsil stones.  

While tonsil stones are usually completely symptomless, and as such don’t require any sort of treatment to take care of, there are some occasions where tonsil stones can cause a number of unwanted symptoms. In addition to the small, hard, foul-tasting stones that you may cough or spit up, possible symptoms include:

• Bad breath

• Persistent cough

• Sore throat

• Earaches

• Feeling like something is stuck in your throat

Bad breath in particular is an extremely common symptom of tonsil stones, with some experts arguing that they are one of, if not the primary cause of, bad breath in most adults.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, there are several treatment options available to you. Brushing regularly helps dislodge them, as do frequent saltwater rinses. More stubborn tonsil stones can be removed by dental professionals; however, most stones are left to dislodge on their own. If your cough, sore throat, or earache persist for more than 14 days, talk to your dentist to rule out other issues.

If you’re suffering from bad breath that just won’t go away, a persistent cough or sore throat or if you know you have tonsil stones, we can help! Mention it to us at your next cleaning and checkup and we can suggest next steps for a treatment plan to help kick those stones to the curb. Don’t have an appointment on the books? No problem, scheduling your next visit is easy – just use the orange “Book Online” button.  

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