Tonsil stones (also known as tonsillitis) are microscopic clumps of whitish, odorous waste that collect in the tonsil’s surface crevices (crypts). They appear as white “dots” in your tonsils when you look in the mirror.
Many individuals believe these are food particles; however, they actually shed epithelial cells.
Tonsil Stones
: What Causes Them?
The surface lining of the tonsil is called the epithelium, and it sheds like skin. As a result, it gathers in the tonsil crypts.

Because the tonsils have irregular surfaces, this happens. Bacteria, food particles, and mucus may be caught in some of these craters and crypts because they are so profound (in addition to the epithelium).

When forced into the crypts, these chemicals “compress,” solidifying into tonsil stones.

The good news is that, while annoying, they are not dangerous.

Are Tonsil Stones a Common Problem?
They are common, even though not necessarily typical. The shedding of the epithelium is a natural occurrence of the tonsil, but the particles getting stuck in the crypts are not.

Because tonsillectomies are becoming less common, tonsil stones are becoming more common.

While tonsil stones aren’t dangerous, there are a few things to watch out for.

If your tonsils are really red, bleed readily, or you experience tonsil pain that extends all the way to your ear, you may have a deeper, potentially more serious problem. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact us as soon as possible.

Tonsil Stones: What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
A little, white substance on the tonsils is the most evident symptom. Other manifestations include:

Chronic bad breath
Swallowing problems
a little sore throat
Bacteria in the area can cause a throat infection in more serious situations.

Do Tonsil Stones Naturally Disappear?
These stones can be coughed out or removed with pressure from a Qtip or your finger when they fill the crypt areas. They usually return within weeks to months after being removed.

If they are just minimally symptomatic and are only observed seldom, they do not require therapy. Tonsil stones, on the other hand, might be a weekly or even daily discomfort for some individuals, prompting them to seek treatment.