Pictures of Tonsil Stones: A Complete Guide to Identifying Tonsil Stone Symptoms

What Are Tonsil Stones?

Tonsil stones, also called tonsilloliths or tonsil calculi, form when debris and bacteria collect in the crevices of the tonsils. The tonsils are glands located at the back of the throat. Tonsil stones can range from tiny specs to large, solid masses.

The debris that makes up tonsil stones includes:

• Dead cells
• Mucus
• Bacteria
• Food particles
• Minerals like calcium

As this material accumulates in the tonsil crypts, it hardens into stone-like lumps of varying sizes. Tonsil stones are common and can cause annoying symptoms in some people.

What Do Tonsil Stones Look Like? Appearance and Size

Tonsil stones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pea. They are usually white or yellowish in color. The surface is uneven with a soft, crumbly texture. Larger stones may have a foul odor.

Here are the general tonsil stone sizes:

• Microcalcifications - barely visible specs smaller than 1 mm
• Small stones - 1-3 mm
• Medium stones - 3-6 mm
• Large stones - over 6 mm

Photos of Tonsil Stones

This photo shows a small tonsil stone lodged in the tonsils.

A large, solid tonsil stone is visible on the surface of the tonsils here.

Multiple small and medium stones embedded across the tonsils.

Symptoms of Tonsil Stones

Not everyone with tonsil stones experiences symptoms. However, possible signs and symptoms include:

• Visible stones - seen as white/yellow lumps on the tonsils
• Bad breath - foul, rotten smell, caused by sulfur compounds in the stones
• Metallic taste - unpleasant taste at the back of the mouth
• Sore throat - pain or irritation in the throat
• Difficulty swallowing - feeling like something is stuck in the throat
• Ear pain - tonsils share nerves with the ears
• Coughing - coughing up stones or irritating throat mucus

Symptoms may flare up when stones become dislodged from tonsil pockets. Coughing can then expel them from the throat. Even without other symptoms, bad breath is a common sign of tonsil stones.

Rare Symptoms

In some cases, tonsil stones may also cause:

• Excess saliva
• Enlarged or inflamed tonsils
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• White debris on the tonsils
• Metallic taste when coughing up stones

Any symptoms that disrupt eating, swallowing, or breathing require prompt medical attention. However, mild symptoms can often be managed at home.

What Causes Tonsil Stones?

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing tonsil stones, such as:

• Chronic inflammation - recurrent tonsillitis
• Poor oral hygiene - insufficient brushing and flossing
• Smoking - irritates throat tissues
• Allergies - post-nasal drip from allergies
• Acid reflux - chronic heartburn, GERD
• Dry mouth - reduced saliva flow
• Tonsil pockets - deep crypts trap debris
• Diet - dairy, acidic, and high-sugar foods

Tonsil stones rarely form in smooth tonsils without deep crevices. They are more common in people with large, pitted tonsils that easily collect debris.

Who Gets Tonsil Stones?

Tonsil stones can develop at any age but are most prevalent in:

• Teenagers and young adults
• Adults ages 20-40 years old
• People with recurrent tonsillitis
• Those with excessive post-nasal drip
• People with large, cryptic tonsils
• Those with poor oral hygiene

For unknown reasons, tonsil stones appear to be more common in males. People with certain medical conditions like chronic inflammation or autoimmune disorders may also be at increased risk.

How to Get Rid of Tonsil Stones

If you have bothersome tonsil stones, here are some home remedies to try:

Oral Hygiene

• Gargle daily with salt water
• Brush teeth and tongue after eating
• Floss thoroughly each day
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash
• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol

Diet Changes

• Drink plenty of water
• Eat a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables
• Avoid dairy, acidic, and sugary foods

Over-the-Counter Medications

• Gargle with throat numbing spray
• Take anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen
• Use nasal spray for post-nasal drip
• Suck on throat lozenges

For stones you can see, try gently dislodging them with a cotton swab or water irrigation device. Coughing them up can also expel some stones.

When to See a Doctor for Tonsil Stones

Schedule an appointment with your doctor, ENT specialist, or dentist if:

• Stones are large or cluster together
• Symptoms interfere with eating or sleeping
• You have trouble breathing or swallowing
• Stones keep recurring frequently
• You cough up blood or pus
• Tonsils become inflamed or enlarged

Your doctor can determine if the stones require surgical removal based on the severity of symptoms. Antibiotics may be needed for bacterial infections contributing to stone formation.

Tonsillectomy for Severe Stones

If stones are large or recurrent, surgically removing the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be warranted. This eliminates the tonsil crevices where stones develop. Recovery involves about 2 weeks of sore throat and pain management.

Preventing Tonsil Stones

To help avoid tonsil stones from forming:

• Brush teeth twice daily and floss once daily
• Use antiseptic mouthwash
• Rinse mouth after eating
• Treat sinus infections promptly
• Avoid smoking and alcohol
• Drink plenty of water
• Limit dairy, sugary, and acidic foods

Practicing excellent oral hygiene and limiting irritants prevents debris from accumulating in the tonsils. This reduces the likelihood of tonsil stones occurring.

The Bottom Line on Tonsil Stones

Tonsil stones are generally harmless but can cause unpleasant symptoms like bad breath, sore throat, or trouble swallowing. To identify if your symptoms may be caused by tonsil stones, check for white/yellow debris or lumps on the tonsils that may appear like pebbles or grains of sand. Mild tonsil stones can be managed at home with oral hygiene and medications. However, recurrent or severe stones may require surgery to remove the tonsils completely. Seeking treatment can provide relief if tonsil stones become a bothersome problem.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.