What Are Tonsil Stones?

What Causes Tonsil Stones?

The tonsils are filled with numerous nooks and crannies called tonsil crypts, where bacteria, dead cells, mucus, and other debris can becoming trapped. When this occurs, the bacteria can become concentrated into white formations found in the pockets of the tonsils. The bacteria and fungi found in these pockets feed on this build up and causes a distinct odor. Tonsil stones develop when this trapped bacteria hardens or calcifies, which tends to happen to patients with chronic inflammation in their tonsils or repeated instances of tonsillitis. To learn more about tonsillitis, check out Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments. Fortunately, many of these stones are rather small, and it is quite rare to have large and solidified tonsil stones develop. Potential causes of tonsil stones include poor dental hygiene, large tonsils, chronic sinus issues, and as previously mentioned, chronic tonsillitis or inflamed tonsils.

Next, find out what the common signs and symptoms of tonsil stones are.