What is a Tonsil Stone?

Tonsil Stones, scientifically known as tonsilloliths, are usually formed in the back of the throat, inside the tonsil crypts. They usually consist of mucus and bacteria that bind together inside the tonsils, and calsidify (hardens). This forms an irregularly shaped, whitish/yellow stone, resembling a piece of tooth, but smells foul. This is also one of the main causes of chronic bad breath.

People are only now becoming aware of what these white spots are, as many dentists reportedly told their patients that these were only extra food debris. This is unfortunately not so. In fact, they are sometimes so hard to spot, that all you would notice is bad breath all the time, and then they would accidentally show up if you go for a routine x-ray.

The smell is caused by a concentration of volatile sulphur, consisting of methyl mercaptan and hydrogen sulphide, bacteria and post nasal drip.

The most drastic way to get rid of them is to have your tonsils removed, but this is extreme to say the least, and there are a number of ways to get rid of them yourself, at home, without any medical knowledge. Remember, a while back tonsils were routinely removed, but they do have a purpose, which is to prevent organisms and bacteria from travelling deeper into the thought. Also, speaking from experience, having your tonsils removed when you are fully grown are excruciatingly painful and could even be dangerous in some cases.

The leading cause of tonsilloliths is post nasal drip. This is usually present with people suffering from hay fever and colds. It refers to a condition where there are an excess of mucus in the back of the throat. Another tell tale sign that you might have tonsil stones are a white tongue. The white coating on the tongue could be a mucous accumulation of excess bacteria on the tongue.

In conclusion I can say that this is a condition that you could live with as it is not life threatening, but it could be uncomfortable, especially if left untreated and turns into giant tonsilloliths. It can also cause embarrassment at having a foul breath. Something that you should not have to worry about as it is so easily treated.

For more detailed information on getting rid of tonsil stones and chronic bad breath.