Tonsil stones are a common term for tonsilloliths, small, hard grain found embedded in the tonsillar tissue. These ’stones’ form as a result of food getting stuck at the back of the throat between the crevasses of the tonsils. With time, these food particles mix with mucus, dead cells and bacteria to form a small mass which then becomes calcified. This hardens the small mass which remains lodged in the tonsils, causing little or no irritation.
The tonsils are lymphoid tissue located at the back of the throat. Tonsillar tissue ‘guards’ the air pipe (trachea) and food pipe (esophagus) from any invading germs or dust particles that can affect the lungs or digestive system. The tonsils are an important part of the immune system but are prone to infection and irritation, especially in children. Tonsil stones are more likely to form when the tonsils are inflamed (tonsillitis), especially in recurrent or chronic tonsillitis.
What do tonsil stones look like?
Signs & Symptoms of Tonsilloliths
Tonsilloliths, Tonsil Stones Picture
It is difficult to see tonsil stones and you may not even feel it. However, a doctor may see the tonsil stones under careful examination of the throat but even this is not easily spotted. More often, the presence of tonsilloliths is identified by the presence of certain signs and symptoms.
- Bad breath is the most common symptom in person suffering with tonsil stones. The breath is extremely offensive and good dental hygiene offers little relief.
- You may feel a nagging sensation at the back of the throat like foreign body is lodged in the tonsils.
- A persistent sore throat may also be a symptom of a tonsil stone and this is usually low grade.
- Tonsillitis may occur and this can cause severe infection and inflammation of the entire upper respiratory tract.
- Coughing up tiny specks of digested food, similar to a small grain of rice, may be a sign that you are predisposed to tonsil stones.
How are tonsil stones removed?
Removal of Tonsil Stones
Tonsil stones should be removed by your doctor, usually under local anesthetic. Attempting to ‘pick’ out a tonsil stone with a tooth pick can be dangerous, causing tears in the tonsillar tissue and leading to bleeding and infection of the tonsils. Tonsil stones are not a reason to have your tonsils removed but if you suffer with chronic tonsillitis, with or without tonsils stones, your doctor may consider a tonsillectomy. An antiseptic mouth wash with an anesthetic solution may be useful in easing the throat pain caused by a tonsil stone.
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