Tonsil stones, also called tonsiloliths, are compacted stone-like masses that can form in the crypts and crevices of the tonsils. If you have large tonsils, you’ll probably have large crypts, too, which can harbor bacteria, food, and other substances that may eventually form into a tonsil stone.

Tonsil stones are quite common, but they sometimes go undetected. In fact, you may have them and not even know it.

What are Tonsil Stones?

Tonsil stones are not “rocks,” per se. Instead, they are a combination of bacteria from your mouth, food, and other debris that have calcified into a hardened or semi-hardened mass. These materials collect within the crypts of the tonsils and can slowly enlarge over time.

onsil Stone Symptoms: How to Know if You Have Tonsil Stones?

How can you tell if you have tonsil stones? There are signs and symptoms you may notice.

Visually Inspect the Tonsils

One of the easiest ways to see if you have tonsil stones is to shine a light into your mouth. Flex your throat as if you are going to gag or cough, and see if you can spot any white areas in or around your tonsils. By doing this, you may be able to spot a tonsil stone.

However, keep in mind that sometimes they can be deep within a crypt and aren’t always visible when examining your throat.

Bad Breath

Halitosis, the medical term for bad breath, is often present in individuals with tonsil stones, especially if good oral hygiene is used and the bad breath persists.

Bad or Strange Taste in Mouth

A bad or abnormal taste in your mouth can also be a possible sign that you have a collection of tonsil stones.

Feeling an Object in the Throat

Another symptom of tonsil stones is that you feel like something is stuck in your throat. This sensation tends to occur if a tonsil stone becomes large, has partially dislodged, or there are numerous stones within the tonsil crypts.

Throat Soreness or Infection

If your throat becomes sore, red, or tender when swallowing, this could be another symptom of tonsil stones causing irritation to the tissue. In fact, you may mistake the soreness for postnasal drip or a common cold.

If the tissue surrounding the tonsil stone becomes infected, you may notice a swollen lymph node in your throat region (under the jawline), and you may have discomfort when swallowing.

Persistent Cough

If a tonsil stone is irritating the tissue around your throat, you may feel the “tickle” sensation to cough often. A persistent cough that isn’t associated with an illness could be due a tonsil stone.

In addition, when you cough forcefully, you may dislodge a tonsil stone. This can feel like a piece of food suddenly dropped out of your throat or sinuses.

Tonsil Stones May Cause an Earache

If you have an earache, it may be due to a tonsil stone that has become infected.

Tonsil Stone Complications

Although tonsil stones are usually harmless or just a minor irritation, there is always a risk that a stone can become so large that it causes discomfort.

In addition, an impacted tonsil stone could irritate the surrounding tissue. This can allow germs to enter the damaged tissue, which could cause an infection. If you suspect infection or have recurrent problems with tonsil stones, contact your doctor or healthcare provider.

How to Prevent Tonsil Stones

One of the best ways to treat tonsil stones is to prevent them from forming in the first place. Here are some things that can help prevent or reduce tonsil stone formation:

• Use good oral hygiene such as brushing twice per day and flossing.
• Use mouthwash to eliminate excessive germs (some mouthwash brands are formulated to specifically prevent or slow the formation of tonsil stones).
• Rinse or gargle with salt water or a salt water and vinegar solution.
• Limit foods that promote calcification of debris, such as soda or excessive amounts of dairy and other calcium-rich foods.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking.
• Keep the mouth hydrated.

How to Remove Tonsil Stones

Generally, it’s best to leave tonsil stones alone, especially if they are not causing any complications. They can often fall out on their own during a coughing, heavy breathing, eating, or sneezing event.

If you feel the need to remove tonsil stones, you can consult with your doctor to assist you in safely removing them or recommending the appropriate course of action.

Removing Tonsil Stones at Home

If you attempt to remove a tonsil stone on your own at home, you’ll want to follow a few steps to reduce the risk of infection.

1. Wash your hands before placing them in your mouth.
2. Reduce germs in your mouth by gargling with an antiseptic mouthwash prior to removing the stones. Alternatively, a mixture of one part 3% strength hydrogen peroxide mixed with two parts water may be used. Note: Failure to dilute hydrogen peroxide could lead to burns or tissue damage.
3. Spit out the mouthwash when you are done gargling, and do not swallow it.
4. Use a clean cotton swab to begin gently pressing around the tonsil crypts where you suspect a stone may be located. If a stone is present, you may see it slide or move out a bit. Continue gently applying pressure and moving the swab until you can safely remove the stone.
5. Allow the stone to stick to the swab for removal, or spit the stone out if it falls into your mouth.
6. Be aware that applying the swab to the throat will likely activate the gag reflex in most people! This is not fun and may even cause vomiting or retching!
7. Once the tonsil stone(s) is/are removed, gargle again with antiseptic mouthwash to reduce the risk of infection or painful sores.
8. If you experience any complications during removal (bleeding, pain, infection, or if a stone becomes lodged in a crypt) please seek assistance from your doctor or healthcare provider.

Using a Water Flosser (also called a Waterpik)

Alternatively, some people use a water flosser or waterpik to remove tonsil stones. While these devices were designed to remove particles of food and plaque from between the teeth, they are also sometimes used to eject water onto the tonsil crypt areas in an attempt to remove or dislodge tonsil stones.

Talk to a Doctor if Tonsil Stones are Problematic

If you have discomfort or recurrent issues with infections due to tonsil stones, you might want to talk to your doctor. A tonsillectomy, which is the surgical removal of the tonsils, may be a possible way to treat and prevent continued complications.

However, they are often harmless and nothing more than a minor nuisance for some people. Many people are able to manage their tonsil stones by using good hygiene and other preventative measures described previously, as well as removing minor stones as they become apparent.

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