What Exactly is Tonsil Stones?

A tonsil stone, sometimes referred to as a tonsillolith, tonsillar debris or calculus of the tonsil, is a piece or a cluster of calcareous matter that develops in the back of the mouth in the tonsillar crypts of the tonsils or on the roof of the mouth.

Tonsils are filled with crevices where bacteria and other materials such as dead cells and mucous can become trapped. When this occurs, the debris can develop into infections that occur in the pockets.

Tonsil stones are formed when this trapped debris combines and hardens or calcifies. This occurs most often in people who suffer from chronic inflammation in their tonsils or repeated bouts of tonsillitis. These calculi are composed of calcium salts such as hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate apatite, oxalates and other magnesium salts containing ammonium radicals.

They often appear as white or yellowish in color and are irregularly shaped and foul smelling. They can cause extreme halitosis or bad breath. Most sufferers who go to their doctor are concerned with the symptoms of bad breath.



This Article Based on the Banish Tonsil Stones E-book.
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