Everything you need to know about tonsil stones
The palatine tonsils (Tonsilla palatina), also known simply as the tonsils, are part of the body’s immune system. Their function can be thought of as a protective filter that traps pathogens from the air we breathe and prevents them from spreading further into the body.
The tonsils have a spongy structure with deep, interconnected folds known as crypts. It is in these crypts that tonsil stones can form.
What are tonsil stones?
A tonsil stone (tonsillolith) is a small calcified formation just a few millimetres in size. It is usually whitish to yellow-green in colour and develops within the crypts of the tonsils.
It is essentially a mineralized biofilm made up of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, which gradually accumulate around a core consisting of food particles, dead cells, pathogens and other debris. In this way, the body attempts to isolate and expel these unwanted substances.
Why do tonsil stones form?
Under normal circumstances, the tonsils are capable of self-cleaning and can deal with accumulated debris. If they fail to do so, debris remains trapped in the crypts, where the process of biofilm formation begins.
The exact causes of tonsil stones are not yet fully understood, but the main factors include:
- Individual tonsil anatomy – the shape and depth of the crypts may impair the self-cleaning mechanism
- A history of tonsillitis – which can lead to scarring of the tissue and reduced function
Problems caused by tonsil stones
Tonsil stones can trigger a range of issues, from mild discomfort to more serious health complications.
The most common problem is bad breath (halitosis). The stones release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particularly volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs), which cause a characteristic smell similar to rotten eggs.
Other possible symptoms include:
- Sore tonsils
- The sensation of a foreign body in the throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Occasional earache (due to shared nerve pathways)
Chronic occurrence of tonsil stones can also lead to recurrent tonsillitis and other complications.
Why tonsil hygiene matters
The purpose of tonsil hygiene is to remove stones and debris that the tonsils are unable to clear on their own. For many years, removing tonsil stones was complicated. Home attempts are rarely effective, and surgery carries risks associated with interfering in the immune system and the surgery itself.
Thanks to modern technology, the tonsils can now be cleaned effectively, gently and without pain. Regular care can not only relieve symptoms but also help prevent their recurrence.
Next steps
Topics
Everything you need to know about tonsil stones
Ways of removing tonsil stones
Maintaining tonsil hygiene
Everything you need to know about tonsil stones
Ways of removing tonsil stones