What Are Tonsil Stones?

Tonsil stones, also called tonsilloliths, are small calcified accretions which accumulate in tonsil crypts or recesses. These stones are irregular in shape, whitish and can grow be a quarter inch in size. However, there was a case of a Spanish woman who was operated on for a tonsilloth of about 2.5cm by 1.5cm in size, or slightly larger than a lima bean. These large tonsil stones are also sometimes called "giant tonsil stones."

Being various accumulated debris, mucus and bacteria, these stones smell horrible when opened. It smells exactly like what halitosis would. In fact, these may be a cause of halitosis.

Everyone has tonsil stones. That is, everyone with a tonsil is expected to have them. The tonsil may be its bed, as it were, but only in extreme cases would it be a good idea to take out the tonsil because of the presence of tonsil stones. Tonsillectomy is no longer as common a procedure as it was thirty years ago. In a way, the tonsils are there to prevent infections in the throat, and to catch excessive mucus. Hence the reason why tonsil stones form in the first place. Whereas before tonsillectomies were done in severe cases of tonsillitis, this is not anymore a prescribed cure. In most cases, small tonsil stones get dislodged without the person knowing it.

Tonsil stones are more of a nuisance and could easily be taken out by various methods. A combination of AktivOxigen Tablets and Nasal Sinus Drops will eliminate them. A water pik with enough water pressure will also work in removing them.