Here’s what you need to know about tonsil stones – the weird pimple-like growths in your throat
In the vast world of online content, it’s easy to stumble upon material that shocks, amazes, or even disgusts. Social media has amplified the sharing of such content, leading to trends in which certain types of posts go viral. Among these trends are videos about the fascinating and sometimes gross things our bodies do. You’ve probably seen clips of pimple popping, cyst draining, and earwax removal.
But have you ever heard of tonsil stones? When I first encountered a video about them, I was just as curious as you might be. So, let’s delve into what tonsil stones are and what you need to know about them.
What Are Tonsil Stones?
According to the Mayo Clinic, tonsil stones are hard white or yellow formations that occur on the tonsils. They’re generally neither painful nor harmful and can often be treated with home remedies.
Tonsil stones form when materials and debris get trapped in the tonsillar crypts—the crevices located in the tonsils, which are the oval-shaped, infection-fighting tissues at the back of your throat. These trapped materials can include minerals like calcium, food particles, bacteria, and fungi.
Credit / Wikimedia Commons
Symptoms and Prevalence
Tonsil stones are more common than you might think, although they don’t always cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include bad breath, coughing, earache, and a sore throat, among others.
It’s reported that around 3 million Americans suffer from tonsil stones each year. Fortunately, removing them is relatively easy and can often be done at home. Methods include gargling with salt water and using a delicate object, like a cotton swab, to dislodge them. Even a strong cough can sometimes loosen and expel the stones.
While tonsil stones may seem alarming at first, they are usually harmless and can be easily managed. If you’re ever curious about tonsil stones or encounter them yourself, remember that there are simple and effective ways to address them.
Understanding tonsil stones helps demystify these strange formations and reminds us of the fascinating complexities of our bodies. 🌟😊
