To Have A Stone In Throat

To Have A Stone In Throat

Tonsil Stones (Tonsilloliths): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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Kristin Hayes, RN, is a registered nurse specializing in ear, nose, and throat disorders for both adults and children.

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Benjamin F. Asher, MD, is a board-certified otolaryngologist. He has a private practice in New York City where he focuses on natural and integrative healing.

Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are clumps or lumps that form when debris becomes trapped in pockets in the tonsils —the mounds of tissue in the back of the throat. A tonsil with a tonsil stone may look like it has a crack with a small, pebble-like mass wedged inside it.

Tonsil stones occur when debris such as dead skin cells, white blood cells, and bacteria become saturated with saliva and calcify. 1 While tonsilloliths are generally harmless, they may occasionally cause discomfort such as a sore throat, feeling like there is something stuck in the throat, dry mouth, and bad breath (halitosis). 2

Individuals who have these stone-like balls in their tonsils are also said to have cryptic tonsils , fetid tonsils, or chronic caseous tonsillitis.

You may be looking at a tonsil stone if you cough up something that is small, is hard like a stone, and has a bad odor. Tonsil stones range from white to yellow in color.

In place on your tonsils, if you don't know what they are, they can sometimes look like pus. You may not always be able to see these stones until they are larger in size.

Halitosis associated with tonsil stones is sometimes severe since a common bacteria that contributes to the formation of tonsil stones is known to produce sulfur. Disturbing or removing a tonsil stone can sometimes release this putrid odor.

This video has been medically reviewed by Benjamin F. Asher, MD .

Chronic inflammation can cause the formation of crypts and fibrosis (thickening and scarring) to occur allowing an ideal location for stones to form. People who have had a tonsillectomy don't typically get tonsil stones even if some of their tonsil tissue grows back .

Age can play a factor in your risk for developing tonsil stones, with children being the least likely to develop them. 1 Teenagers and adults are much more common than children, and it is thought that chronic inflammation from throat or ear infections can put you at higher risk.

Using toothpaste and mouthwashes is not enough to get rid of the bad breath associated with tonsil stones. The only way to cure the halitosis is to get rid of the tonsil stones.

Trying to remove tonsil stones on your own may result in the stones actually becoming pushed further into the tissue, causing more discomfort and problems.

However, in some cases, they can be removed with water irrigators (water picks). These appliances have been shown to be helpful in removing a portion of the tonsil stones. However, it is not generally accepted that the stone is completely removed, and you will likely still have any symptoms, like bad breath.

In addition to water irrigation, Q-tips are sometimes used to remove stones. 3 Gently press a wet cotton swab against the stone and carefully try to dislodge the stone. Do not force the stone out or rub too hard, though.

You should not try to remove tonsil stones with sharp objects, because you could accidentally damage tonsillar tissue. The tonsils are also in close proximity to major blood vessels.

Getting rid of tonsil stones may be achieved via a procedure called CO(2) laser cryptolysis. Rarely, a tonsillectomy is needed. 4

While a tonsillectomy would subsequently remove any tonsil stones, surgical removal of the tonsils is not generally a compelling enough reason for this surgery. Your physician can review the benefit versus the risks associated with a tonsillectomy for tonsil stone removal.

Once tonsil stones are eliminated or removed, you may be able to able to avoid recurrence through an oral hygiene routine that includes daily warm saline mouth rinses. 5 Mouthwashes such as Listerine may also be good for tonsil stones.

No. If your tonsils have been removed, such as through a tonsillectomy, there is no risk of developing tonsil stones. This is why tonsils are removed in cases of chronic or recurrent tonsilloliths. 6
Yes. Tonsil stones may be removed by a dentist, oral surgeon, or an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist).
Yes. Tonsil stones are not harmful. If they become dislodged, you may swallow them without even knowing it.
Yellamma Bai K, Vinod Kumar B. Tonsillolith: A polymicrobial biofilm . Med J Armed Forces India . 2015;71(Suppl 1):S95‐S98. doi:10.1016/j.mjafi.2011.12.009
Wetmore RF. Surgical management of the tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy patient. World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery . 2017;3(3):176-182. doi:10.1016%2Fj.wjorl.2017.01.001
Singh P, Patil PM, Sawhney H, Patil SP, Mishra M. Giant tonsillolith: A rare oropharyngeal entity . Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Cases . 2019;5(4):100133. doi:10.1016/j.omsc.2019.100133
Alfayez A, Albesher MB, Alqabasani MA. A giant tonsillolith . SMJ . 2018;39(4):412-414. doi:10.15537%2Fsmj.2018.4.21832

By Kristin Hayes, RN

Kristin Hayes, RN, is a registered nurse specializing in ear, nose, and throat disorders for both adults and children.

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Medical Author:

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Medical Editor:

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What are causes and risk factors of tonsil stones?
What are symptoms of tonsil stones?
What specialists treat tonsil stones?
What are the treatments for tonsil stones?
How to get rid of tonsil stones at home

American Academy of Otolaryngology. Tonsils and Adenoids. 2019. October 2019.

Bickle, Ian and Maxime St-Amant. Tonsillolith. 2019. October 2019.

Busaba, Nicholas and Shira Doron. Tonsillectomy in adults: Indications. Sept. 24, 2019. October 2019.

Tonsilstoness.com. Tonsil Stones Guide. 2019. October 2019.

Tonsillitis is a contagious infection with symptoms of bad breath, snoring, congestion, headache, hoarseness, laryngitis, and coughing up blood. Tonsillitis can be caused acute infection of the tonsils, and several types of bacteria or viruses (for example, strep throat or mononucleosis). There are two types of tonsillitis, acute and chronic. Acute tonsillitis lasts from one to two weeks while chronic tonsillitis can last from months to years. Treatment of tonsillitis and adenoids include antibiotics, over-the-counter
medications, and home remedies to relieve pain and inflammation, for example,
salt water gargle, slippery elm throat lozenges, sipping warm beverages and
eating frozen foods (ice cream, popsicles), serrapeptase, papain, and andrographism
Some people with chronic tonsillitis may need surgery (tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy).
Take the Dental Health Quiz to test your IQ of oral hygiene, cavities, and common tongue and gum diseases. This quiz covers healthy mouths and teeth from brushing to flossing and everything in between check-ups!
What are tonsil stones and how do you get rid of them? Learn more about tonsil stone problems and what you can do about tonsil stones.
Tonsillectomy is the removal of two oval-shaped tissue pads, named tonsils, from the back of the throat. Tonsillectomy is a popular treatment for airway obstruction and recurrent tonsillar infection in children. Tonsillectomy causes mild or moderate pain in most people.
Tonsils are the two protruding tissue masses at the back of your throat. Tonsillectomy means the removal of the tonsils from the back of your throat. The concerns about removing the tonsils include concerns about immunity and the possibility of antibiotic advancement.
Tonsillitis is a common infection, especially in kids. Tonsillitis is caused by viruses and bacteria like the flu and herpes simplex virus, and Streptococcus bacteria. These viruses and bacterium are spread person to person. Symptoms of tonsillitis are a yellow or white coating on the tonsils, throat pain, pain when swallowing, and hoarseness.
Sinus pressure and pain are common in people who suffer from allergies, the common cold, and chemical exposure. Humidified air, hydration, avoiding allergens, and nasal irrigation can help relieve sinus pressure symptoms.
Bad breath causes include snoring, gum disease, acid reflux, respiratory infections, tonsil stones, diabetes, liver failure, kidney failure, H. pylori, dehydration, infections, and use of certain medications. Bad breath cures or remedies depend on the underlying cause. Some people use bad breath toothpaste or mouthwash to combat the problem.
Bad dental habits can wreck your teeth. Teeth grinding, chewing on ice, playing sports without a mouth guard, and eating and drinking sugary foods and drinks are just a few bad habits that are bad for teeth. Giving nighttime baby bottles, opening things with your teeth, and chewing on pencils can also damage teeth and tissues in the mouth. Drinking red wine and white wine can erode enamel and stain teeth. Smoking, tobacco use, drinking coffee can all lead to tooth stains. Binge eating disorder leads to the consumption of large amounts of sugary food, which can lead to tooth decay. Purging exposes teeth to acids that can wear down enamel.
Is it OK to fly when you've got sinusitis? How about going to work? WebMD helps you decide what's right and wrong when you're all stuffed up.
Sinus infection (sinusitis) is caused by allergies, infection, and chemicals or other irritants of sinuses. Signs and symptoms include headache, fever, and facial tenderness, pressure, or pain. Treatments of sinus infections are generally with antibiotics and at times, home remedies.
Sinus infection (sinusitis) symptoms can include headaches, a sore throat, and toothaches. Antibiotics and home remedies can relieve sinus infection symptoms.
Tonsil stones (also called tonsilloliths) form when bacteria and mucus get trapped and calcify in your tonsils' nooks and crannies, leaving a hard piece of matter and a bad taste in your throat. See a picture of Tonsil Stones and learn more about the health topic.
Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of both tonsils. A tonsillectomy may be performed in cases of recurrent tonsillitis, or treat sleep apnea and some speech disorders.
Mucus is a normal substance produced by lining tissues in the body. Excess mucus or mucus that is yellow, green, brown, or bloody may indicate a problem. Mucus production may increase when allergies, a cold, flu, cough, or sore throat are present. Antihistamines and cold and flu medications may help alleviate excess mucus. A neti pot may be used to decrease nasal congestion and clear mucus.
What are tonsil stones and what causes them? Learn the signs of tonsil stones, what causes them, and what you can do to treat them.

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oral health center / oral health a-z list / related resources / tonsil stones article

The tonsils are lymph nodes located at the back of the throat. Tonsil stones (also called tonsilloliths or tonsil calculi) are small clusters of calcifications or stones that form in the craters (crypts) of the tonsils . Tonsil stones are hard and appear as white or yellowish formations on the tonsils . They usually smell bad (and make your breath smell bad) due to bacteria.
The length of time tonsil stones last varies and depends on a number of factors.
Tonsillitis, or inflammation of the tonsils, typically occurs due to infection caused by viruses or bacteria. Tonsillitis is often accompanied by these symptoms:
Several factors can cause or contribute to the formation of tonsil stones.
Risk factors for developing tonsil stones include people with:
In many cases, tonsil stones do not cause any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
Tonsil stones can frequently be seen in the back of the throat. They typically appear as white or yellowish spots on or around the tonsils that may range in size from a grain of rice to a pea.
For stones that cannot be visualized, an MRI or CT scan can help make a definitive diagnosis.
Tonsil stones treatment is not always needed. Stones frequently either dissolve on their own or are coughed up.
For stones that do not go away on their own, there are several types of treatments:
Manual tonsil stone removal at home is generally not recommended. Tonsils are delicate tissues, and removing them on your own may cause bleeding and infection.
Home remedies to get rid of tonsil stones include:
There are several ways to prevent tonsil stones:
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Tonsil stones, also called tonsilloliths, are small lumps that form in your tonsils. The main symptom of tonsil stones is bad breath. Methods for tonsil stone removal at home include using a saltwater gargle or a water pick. If the tonsil stones keep coming back or bothering you, your provider may recommend surgery.

Babu BB, Avinash TML,Avinash CKA, Chittaranjan B. (2013). Tonsillolith: A Panoramic Radiograph Presentation. (https://www.jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?id=3530) Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. 7(10), 2378-2379. Accessed 11/18/2021.
Bamgbose BO, Ruprecht A, Hellstein J, Timmons S, Qian F. The Prevalence of Tonsilloliths and Other Soft Tissue Calcifications in Patients Attending Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Clinic of the University of Iowa. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3920671/) ISRN Dentistry. 2014;2014:839635. Published 2014 Jan 22. Accessed 11/18/2021.
HealthDirect. Tonsil Stones. (https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tonsil-stones) Accessed 11/18/2021.
Healthwise. Tonsil Stones: Care Instructions. (https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ace4965#ace4969) Accessed 11/18/2021.
Masters KG, Zezoff D, Lasrado S. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Tonsils. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539792/) [Updated 2020 Aug 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan. Accessed 11/18/2021.

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