Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are small lumps of hardened material that can form in the tonsils. They are usually made up of a mixture of dead cells, bacteria, and other debris that can accumulate in the tonsils over time. The glands in the tonsils contain folds known as tonsillar crypts, and if these crypts are enlarged, minerals such as calcium can become trapped and calcify into stones. Tonsil stones can also be composed of a biofilm made up of a number of different bacteria and calcium salts either alone or in combination with other mineral salts.

Tonsil stones are usually small, usually under 5mm across, and most commonly occur in teenagers. They can cause bad breath, an irritating cough, earache, sore throat, and/or a bad taste in your mouth. Small tonsil stones may not cause any noticeable symptoms, but larger ones can cause discomfort and make swallowing difficult.

Tonsil stones are usually harmless and do not require medical treatment unless they cause symptoms of infection. Good oral hygiene, including gargling with warm salt water, can help manage most tonsil stones. However, in rare cases, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist may need to surgically remove tonsil stones if they become very large.

In summary, tonsil stones are small lumps of hardened material that can form in the tonsils and are usually made up of a mixture of dead cells, bacteria, and other debris. They can cause bad breath, an irritating cough, earache, sore throat, and/or a bad taste in your mouth. Good oral hygiene can help manage most tonsil stones, but in rare cases, surgical removal may be necessary.