Tonsil Stone / Tonsillolith Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below are some frequently asked questions about Tonsil Stones (The appropriate medical term is Tonsillolith).
Question 1 : What is a tonsil stone?

A tonsil stone is a piece or a cluster of pieces of calculi that form in crypts, pits, or crevasses in the tonsil area. Calculi are made up of calcium salts such as oxalates, magnesium salts, hydroxyapatite and other ammonium containing radicals. The medical term for tonsil stones is “Tonsillolith”. The stones generally consist of food particles, leukocytes or dead white blood cells, bacteria that enters into the mouth, and excess saliva from overactive salivary glands. Bacteria growth, fungi, and the digestive enzymes found in saliva begin to break down food trapped in the tonsils. Starch and carbohydrates are eaten away and leave the firmer harder parts of food particles in the tonsils to form stones.
Question 2 : What do tonsil stones look like?

Tonsillolith or Tonsil Stones are small and off-white in color, similar in size and appearance to sesame seeds. They generally have a very pungent odor comparable to halitosis, or bad breath caused by bacteria in the throat. Tonsil Stones are often found lodged between the wisdom teeth and the temporomandibular joint of the jaw. They are often first noticed because they can become an uncomfortable nuisance.

picture of tonsil stone removed

Pictured Above : Tonsillolith / Tonsil Stone Removed

tonsillolith tonsil stone stuck in tonsil

Pictured Above : Tonsil Stone Stuck in tonsil Crypts

Question 3 : Are Tonsil Stones a Health Risk? What are the symptoms?

They may be an especially uncomfortable nuisance, but are not often harmful.  Tonsil stones and the formation of tonsilloliths occurs in adults much more often than in children. Some will notice non-specific symptoms such as chronic cough, sore throat, and ear ache. Many first notice their tonsil stones when they notice a foreign body in the back of the throat that can be uncomfortable and from the constant foul breath. In small childre tonsil stones are often accompanied by bad breath, swallowing pain, and reflex ear pain. Generally tonsillolith is asymptomatic and is only noticed when small tonsilloliths are found in the saliva. Giant tonsilloliths are much more rare than typical tonsil stones and are often mistaken as tonsil tumors, known as peritonsillar abscess.
Question 4 : What is Cryptic Tonsillitis and why does it cause Tonsil Stones?

Cryptic Tonsillitis occurs when deep crypts or pits form in the surface of the tonsil.  These deep pits collect fluids and solids that are broken down by enzymes and turned into tonsilloliths or tonsil stones.  Tonsil stones often protrude out from the crypts.