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Tonsilloliths
Given that our tonsils are tasked with detecting harmful foreign bodies entering our systems, and because they are riddled with openings (tonsillar crypts) right at the back of our mouths, it makes them the perfect spot for food, bacteria, and other junk to sit and gather.
Described as having the consistency of sponges, it only makes sense that something unpleasant is bound to happen on and around your tonsils. According to Dr. Natasha Burgert of St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City:
“What happens over time is in those little dips and crevices of the sponge, we get food caught or mucus caught. It gets kind of gets overrun by bacteria that’s naturally in our throat and it becomes a hard little ball. It’s essentially their body’s natural way of protect and defend [sic] us and it’s just a natural consequence of that.”
Yes, it’s true: our mouths are crawling with bacteria. Once food and mucus start to accumulate, they are shortly overrun by bacteria and calcify into a slimy, rubbery consistency that settles right in to our tonsils and begins to grow. Depending on how long they are left for, tonsil stones can grow to uncomfortable and unsightly sizes, but it’s not the end of the world.
There are multiple ways to get rid of tonsil stones or to try and prevent them from even occurring, and you can do most of them in your own home.
Why Me?
According to PatientConnect365, only 10% of people will regularly experience tonsil stones. If you’re among that 10%, it might feel pretty disheartening that you’re in the unlucky minority that has to deal with the bad breath, discomfort, and even pain associated with tonsil stones.
Often, recurring tonsil stones go hand in hand with people who also suffer from tonsillitis, enflamed tonsils, or other tonsil-related disorders. These people may also experience recurring pain or infection in their ear, nose, and throat.
For other people, tonsil stones may only be present at certain periods, whether related to overall health, diet, or unknown reasons. While people will typically be able to spot the white specks or growths in the back of their mouth when looking in the mirror, other people may not be able to see them right away while still experiencing the nasty symptoms. Let’s take a further look.
The Symptoms
For a lucky handful of people with tonsil stones, there will be virtually no symptoms. If you’re extra lucky, the tonsil stones might even go away on their own with time. However, this is rarely the case, and it is hardly advisable to leave the tonsil stones to their own devices.
First and foremost, the symptom most closely associated with tonsilloliths is bad breath. Again, our mouths are dirty places. Even minutes after we brush our teeth or go for a cleaning at the dentist, bacteria, biofilm, and plaque begin to form on most surfaces like our teeth and gums. That said, it’s no surprise that a literal mass of bacteria growing in the back of our throat is going to smell really bad. Picture morning breath plus the unpleasant odor of decay you might associate with the breath of very elderly people. Tonsil stones reek while hanging out in your tonsillar crypts, and they can smell just as bad as they come towards the surface, or even after you remove them. Anyone who has ever experienced a tonsil stone or even accidentally coughed one up knows exactly what this is like, and it’s no surprise they don’t want to deal with it again.
In some people, tonsil stones feel physically present and can cause pain or discomfort. Depending on the size of the stone—or any resulting inflammation of your tonsils—it may feel like something is lodged in your throat whenever you go to swallow. This can cause irritation, coughing, or even choking in severe cases. Similarly, is often associated with post-nasal drip, which is a major factor for throat irritation in the first place.
For some unfortunate sufferers of tonsil stones, one symptom can even be actual pain. Like we mentioned, your tonsils are the first line of defense your body has against harmful pathogens. As part of the lymphatic system, when your tonsils become irritated, they can send out alerts throughout your body warning of a harmful presence. Due to their location, one of the first reactions your body might have is swollen lymph nodes in your throat, which can cause pain when swallowing. If you experience pain related to this or the sheer size of your tonsil stones, contact a doctor immediately.
For most people, the symptoms are not so serious, and they may just consist of a bad or metallic taste in your mouth. This is one of the most common symptoms that can indicate the presence of a stone, especially if you haven’t seen other evidence of one yet.