What Are Tonsil Stones?
Tonsil stones are calcifications that form on the tonsils, the fleshy pads that line the back of the throat. Also called tonsil calculi or tonsilloliths, these yellow or white stones may appear as tiny as a grain of rice or as big as an olive. Your tonsils are a part of your immune system at the back of your throat. They filter bacteria and viruses that enter your mouth. Your tonsils have folds and crypts (crevices) where different substances can build up and form tonsil stones. Tonsil stones may be so mild as to go unnoticed until you have difficulties swallowing or severe bad breath. Tonsil stones smell because of anaerobic bacteria, which create sulfides that produce a putrid smell.
Common Symptoms
The most commonly reported symptoms of tonsil stones include:
- Visible yellow or white pebbles on one or both sides of the tonsils
- Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Feeling like you always need to swallow
- Pain when swallowing
- Swollen tonsils
- Sore throat
- Persistent cough
- Ear pain
Untreated tonsil stones may lead to bacterial infections, including throat infections.
How long do tonsil stones last?
Tonsil stones can last anywhere from a few days to a few years. An average case of tonsil stones resolves itself within 1-3 weeks. Larger stones might linger on your tonsils for years unless treated by a healthcare professional.
Are tonsil stones contagious?
No, tonsil stones are not contagious. Unfortunately, you can pass bacteria buildup from your oral microbiome (including your tonsils) to another person via kissing or sharing utensils. Sharing harmful bacteria may contribute to tonsil stones, other bacterial infections, or an imbalanced oral microbiome. If you want to learn more about your oral microbiome and how it connects to your whole-body health, read Dr. Gerry Curatola’s book, The Mouth-Body Connection™.
