Should I be worried about tonsil stones?

If you’re experiencing bad breath, irritation, or can see a white-colored dot at the back of your throat, you might have tonsil stones. It’s rare to develop tonsil stones and even rarer to develop serious problems from them, so don’t worry.

What are the white chunks in my tonsils?

Tonsil stones (also called tonsilloliths or tonsil calculi) are small clusters of calcifications or stones that form in the craters (crypts) of the tonsils. Tonsil stones are hard, and appear as white or yellowish formations on the tonsils. They usually smell bad (and make your breath smell bad) due to bacteria.

What happens if tonsil stones won’t come out?

For larger stones that won’t budge, or if you have symptoms of a tonsil stone but don’t see one in your throat, it’s time to consult a doctor. Procedures for removing stubborn tonsil stones include: Saltwater gargles. Numbing your throat, so that the doctor can manually remove the stone.

What is the white stuff coming out of tonsils?

Tonsil stones are actually white formations on your tonsils at the back of your throat. This white stuff or chunks form when “debris” like bacteria, mucus, food and dead skin cells get trapped in and around your tonsils. In time they calcify, causing them to look like small white bumps on your tonsils.

What is the White Stuff in your tonsils?

Tonsil stones, or tonsiliths, are calcium deposits that form in small cracks in the tonsils. They occur due to a buildup of food particles, mucus, and bacteria. They may appear as white or sometimes yellow spots on the tonsils.

Why do I keep getting tonsil stones?

Common Causes of Tonsil Stones. Your tonsils are filled with nooks and crannies where bacteria can become trapped easily. As a result, the bacteria and debris combines to create a white pus formation in the pockets, and tonsil stones form when the trapped debris hardens. Common causes include: Bacterial infections.

Is my throat lump actually a tonsil stone?

Your lump is medically called Tonsil stones. Tonsil Stones (tonsillitis) are caused by an accumulation of sulfur-producing bacteria and debris that become lodged in the tonsils. In most cases, people with lumps in the throat, also may have a breath problem – either occasional or chronic.