Tonsil stones are small lumps of hardened material that form in the tonsils and can cause bad breath, sore throat, and a bad taste in the mouth. They are usually not harmful and often go away on their own. However, if they are causing symptoms or keep coming back, there are several things you can do to manage or prevent them:

• Good oral hygiene: Brush and floss regularly, including the front and back of the tongue.
• Gargling: Vigorous gargling using salt water can help dislodge the tonsil stones and prevent food and debris from getting caught in the tonsil crypts.
• Coughing: A strong cough can loosen stones and bring them up.
• At-home removal: For smaller stones, you might be able to remove them by scraping gently with water picks or swabs.
• Surgical removal: In rare cases, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist might need to surgically remove your tonsil stones if they become too large to pass on their own.
• Tonsillectomy: If tonsil stones are a long-term problem, you might need to have your tonsils taken out.

If you are experiencing chronic sore throat, reoccurring bouts of tonsillitis, breathing problems, trouble swallowing, or severe pain, you should consult your doctor. They can diagnose tonsil stones with a physical exam and may recommend treatment depending on the size and symptoms of the stones.