Tonsil stones

Overview

Food and debris harden in tonsil pockets.

Tonsil stones form when food bits, dead cells, and bacteria collect in tonsil pockets and harden.

They often cause bad breath and a feeling that something is stuck in the throat.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• White lumps in the tonsils
• White bits in the tonsils or something stuck in the throat

Less common

• Bad breath
• Scratchy throat
• Ear pain on the same side

When to get medical care

Causes

Debris in tonsil pockets.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Diagnosis

Visible on exam.

Treatment

Gargle and clean.

Self-care

• Gargle salt water
• Brush tongue
• Use a water flosser on low
• Don't poke at them with sharp objects

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Brush teeth and tongue
• Gargle after meals

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Adults: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Harmless.

Tonsil removal ends them for good.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Should my tonsils be removed?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Tonsil stones