What is the white ball that I coughed up?

If you have ever looked at the back of your throat and noticed any hard white or yellowish balls in the tonsils, or if you have ever coughed or choked up these small white or yellow balls, then you have a history with tonsil stones.

What is this white little ball that comes out of my throat?

Tonsil stones are small lumps of hardened material that form on your tonsils, in the back of your throat. They usually don't cause serious health problems. The main sign of tonsil stones is bad breath. You can usually try to get rid of tonsil stones using at-home methods, such as saltwater gargles.

Are tonsil stones normal?

Tonsil stones, also called tonsilloliths, begin as soft, white clumps that might not even be visible. Over time, however, they can calcify and harden into stones. In either form, they are generally harmless, but their presence can signal more serious health issues, such as infection, tonsillitis and poor oral hygiene.

Do tonsil stones mean you are sick?

They don't indicate illness — although they are sometimes associated with chronic tonsillitis — and they aren't tumours, he says. The putrefied combination is challenging to remove. “These things sit in the deep crypts of people's tonsils,” Shikowitz says.

What is the main cause of tonsil stones?

What causes tonsil stones to form? Some people have crevices and pockets in their tonsils deep enough to trap food particles, bacteria, saliva, and cellular debris. Over time these materials become impacted, and eventually form stones.

What Are Those Nasty White Chunks in Your Throat?

Will tonsil stones go away?

Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, often go away on their own. If they are causing pain, bothering you, or keep coming back, the only way to get rid of them is through surgical removal or tonsillectomy.

What do tonsil stones smell like?

Some tonsil stones don't cause any symptoms. If you have symptoms, they may include: Bad breath — Tonsil stones can have a foul odor, making severe bad breath one of the main symptoms. Sore throat or cough — Sometimes, tonsil stones can irritate the throat and cause a sore throat or cough.

How long do tonsil stones last?

How long do tonsil stones last? Tonsil stones may last anywhere from several days to several years. Most tonsil stones clear up in 1-3 weeks on their own. Large stones may remain on the tonsils for many years if not removed by a doctor.

How do dentists remove tonsil stones?

Dentists typically remove tonsil stones by using a professional air or water syringe, or a simple tongue depressor. If your dentist elects to use an air or water syringe, they will spray a stream of water on and around your tonsilliths to dislodge them.

What is the best way to get rid of tonsil stones?

How can I prevent tonsil stones?

The only way to prevent them is to remove your tonsils. Good dental habits can help prevent tonsil stones. Brush and floss your teeth regularly to remove bacteria and keep things from getting stuck in your tonsils. Gargling after eating can also prevent food buildup.

When should I worry about tonsil stones?

If your tonsil stones are causing extreme discomfort, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or any other symptoms, be sure to talk to a doctor. If you have tonsil stones, take heart in the fact that they often require no treatment.

Can you taste tonsil stones?

Bad taste in mouth: You may experience a metallic taste in the back of the throat due to tonsil stones. Difficulty or pain when swallowing: When tonsil stones form, they can be accompanied by inflammation. This can lead to difficulty swallowing or a feeling of having something stuck in your throat.

What are tonsil stones made of?

The tonsil stones are made up of minerals - mainly calcium salts. Debris from surrounding cells, tissues and germs (such as bacteria) gets stuck in the crevices of the tonsils and then hardens (becomes calcified). They can be hard, like tiny rocks, or quite soft.

Why should you not remove tonsil stones?

Pushing or Squeezing Out Stones

“There is risk for injury to the tonsil and bleeding,” says Setlur. “There is a risk for vascular injury.” Even using a finger or toothbrush could scratch your tonsils, so if you do try this method of removal, try using a cotton swab.

Who removes tonsil stones?

If you cannot remove the stones yourself, your ENT doctor can perform a tonsil stone removal in their office. Laser tonsil cryptolysis uses a laser to eliminate the crypt where the stones are lodged.

Do certain foods cause tonsil stones?

Food and Drink

Drinking excessive amounts of coffee and alcohol makes it more likely that you will develop tonsil stones. A diet high in meat and dairy products can also cause the development of tonsil stones.

Should you leave tonsil stones alone?

Tonsil stones that aren't causing you problems don't need treatment. If your tonsil stones are causing you problems, however, such as bad breath, your health care provider or an ear, nose and throat specialist may recommend at-home measures to clear them out. “Tonsil stones can often be removed.

Should I go to the ER for tonsil stones?

You should always seek medical care for the removal of tonsil stones, as attempting to remove them yourself can lead to complications such as infections or bleeding.

Why do I keep getting tonsil stones even with good hygiene?

Tonsil Stones Are Not Necessarily Caused by Poor Oral Hygiene, but Practicing Good Care Can Help. A common misconception is that tonsil stones are caused by not practicing good oral hygiene. But the truth is that people who brush, floss, and take good care of their teeth and gums can still develop tonsil stones.

Are tonsil stones contagious?

Tonsil Stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are lumps that form within the tonsils. These can be either white or yellow and are usually firm. Though very unpleasant for the sufferer, tonsil stones are not contagious and rarely go on to be anything serious.

Can I swallow tonsil stones?

Tonsil stones may cause throat irritation. Tonsil stones slowly increase in size over time and once large enough may be spit out or swallowed.

What are the hard stinky things tonsils?

Tonsil stones are small lumps of hardened material that can form in the tonsils. They can cause bad breath, an irritable cough, earache, sore throat or a bad taste in the mouth. Good oral hygiene, including gargling with warm salt water, helps with managing tonsil stones.

What foods help tonsil stones?

Probiotics: Eating yogurt and other foods with probiotics can help kill the bacteria in tonsil stones. Carrots: Chewing raw carrots naturally increases production of saliva, which can help reduce stones. Apples: Apples are acidic, which may help fight bacteria in tonsil stones.