Most tonsil stones are harmless and do not lead to pain. If they are small, they may not cause any symptoms. If there are symptoms, they can include:. Bad breath is the most common symptom of tonsil stones. Tonsil stones can look like white or yellowish flecks at the back of the throat.
Some are large enough to stick out from the tonsils, resembling tiny rocks. The crypts have low levels of oxygen, making the environment susceptible to bacteria that do not need oxygen, which are called anaerobes. When a mixture of bacteria starts to build up in the crypt, it can lead to an infection. The infection can cause inflammation that is sometimes referred to as chronic caseous tonsillitis or fetid tonsils.
The "caseous" refers to a cheese-like formation in the crypts. If this cheese-like mix of bacteria, mucus, or other debris does not go away, it can harden or calcify into stones. You can get an infection or tonsil stones in the crypts if you have naturally wrinkly tonsils, which are more prone to trapping food.
Other debris can build up in these holes in your tonsils as well, including pus —a thick fluid that is part of the body's inflammatory response to an infection—and bacteria that produce sulfur compounds and create bad breath. Inflamed cryptic tonsils often look similar to strep throat or other throat infections.
Fortunately, cryptic tonsils alone are not generally harmful to your health. Folds in tonsils called crypts are normal. There are several options for removing tonsil stones if you have cryptic tonsils, depending on the severity of the condition. Tonsil stones are typically removed by an otolaryngologist ear, nose, throat doctor or a dentist.
Occasionally, a general practitioner might be able to remove your tonsil stones. Do not try to remove a tonsil stone on your own.
Using a Waterpik may only force a stone deeper into the tissues. Tongue depressors, tweezers, dental picks, and even cotton swabs are more likely to cause harm than not. Common methods a healthcare provider may use to remove tonsil stones include:. The laser for carbon dioxide laser cryptolysis works like peeling an onion. By doing so, it exposes the crypt and allows for the removal of the tonsil stone. You will be given a local anesthetic to prevent pain during the procedure, which will generally take about 20 minutes.
Following the procedure, you will be asked to use over-the-counter pain relievers and gargle topical treatments for pain control, as well as gargle an antibiotic to prevent infection.
The last option to treat cryptic tonsils is surgical removal of the tonsils, which is called a tonsillectomy. Removing the tonsils is highly effective, but the surgery has risks that must be considered, such as a risk of bleeding after the procedure. It also may include general anesthesia , which puts you into a sleep-like state for the surgery. Tonsillectomy is usually only recommended if other treatments weren't effective or if you have additional conditions such as sleep apnea pauses in breathing during sleep , chronic strep throat, or other chronic conditions affecting the throat.
The typical treatment for tonsil stones is removal by a specialist or dentist. But, because of their role in tackling bacteria and viruses, tonsils are also susceptible to infections. If the tonsils become swollen, then inflammation, debris, or the formation of scar tissue due to another condition may block the holes. Several conditions can affect the holes in the tonsils and put a person at risk of infection, including:. Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become inflamed, usually due to a viral or bacterial infection.
Both children and adults can get tonsillitis, though it is more likely to occur in children. A person with tonsillitis may be able to feel the swollen glands in their neck. Other symptoms of tonsillitis include:.
Strep throat is a form of tonsillitis. This infection of the throat and tonsils more commonly occurs in children. A person gets strep throat by coming into contact with group A Streptococcus bacteria. Strep throat is infectious and passed on through the germs in coughs and sneezes.
Mono is infectious and is most common in young adults, including teenagers, and particularly college students. The most common cause of infectious mononucleosis is the transmission of the Epstein-Barr virus EBV from person to person. However, some other virus types may also cause it. If a person does not practice good oral hygiene, a buildup of bacteria could cause an infection in the tonsils.
Tonsil stones can occur when debris, such as food, dead cells, or bacteria, become trapped in the holes in the tonsils and calcify, forming hard stones.
People with chronic inflammation in their tonsils or those who experience reoccurring bouts of tonsillitis may be more likely to develop tonsil stones. Sometimes, tonsil stones can grow, making holes in the tonsils larger and possibly prolonging an infection. While a doctor will not treat the holes in the tonsils, they may need to address the underlying cause of any symptoms. A person with tonsillitis does not necessarily need treatment, as the body can sometimes fight off the infection by itself.
A doctor may recommend drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and taking over-the-counter OTC pain relievers to minimize discomfort. If symptoms persist beyond 3 to 4 days or get increasingly severe, a person should see a doctor.
The doctor may also test for a strep infection and prescribe antibiotics or other medications, as needed. This condition can cause your tonsils to become swollen, and can lead to obstruction of the tonsillar crypts. Strep throat is a highly contagious infection caused by a streptococcus bacterium. Strep throat should be treated as soon as possible to avoid complications like kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever.
The telltale symptom that sends most people to the doctor is the unrelenting scratchy sore throat, which often comes on quickly. Some people will have swollen tonsils that are red, with white patches or streaks of pus on them. Poor oral hygiene can provide a breeding ground of bacteria that can cause infection and tonsillitis. This can cause the tonsils to become swollen, inflamed, and infected.
Other signs of poor oral hygiene often include frequent bad breath, plaque buildup or coating on the tongue or teeth, and recurrent cavities.
They can also cause further infection in the tonsils, making the holes in the tonsils worse. Smoking and vaping wear down your immune system while simultaneously causing inflammation. This leaves you susceptible to bacterial and fungal infection, as well as inflammation in the tonsils.
Smoking is also linked to tonsil stones, which can make the holes in your tonsils larger and more problematic. Oral cancer that spreads to the tonsils, and tonsil cancer , can both be associated with holes in the tonsils. If your tonsils become infected, treatment will depend on what is causing the infection. Some conditions do require treatment, including:.
If holes in the tonsils or their side effects — including tonsil stones or infection — become too prevalent, your doctor may recommend surgical removal. The most effective way to deal with holes in the tonsils is to avoid risk factors for infection. Practice good oral hygiene, stop smoking, and wash your hands frequently to avoid viruses and infections whenever possible.
If you notice any blisters, pus, or white spots on your tonsils, make an appointment with your doctor. In the meantime, gargling with salt water and keeping your mouth as clean as possible can promote healing and prevent infection.
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