r/tonsilstones Nov 15 '22

Discussion Tonsil stones versus infection.

284 Upvotes

This is a bit of a discussion post, talking about the differences between a tonsil stone versus an infection. I have personally seen many posts as of late, "Is this a tonsil stone?". Nine times out of ten, it is NOT a tonsil stone. This post here is to help guide someone to know if it is a tonsil stone, or if you need to go to the doctor due to an infection.

Let's start this off with, what is a tonsil stone? A tonsil stone is a lump of calcified materials within the tonsils, also known as a Tonsillolith. Tonsil stones are benign, and oftentimes easy to remove with a gentle push against said tonsil if said stone is visible. Tonsil stones will appear embedded within the tonsil, NOT sitting on top of the tonsils. Oftentimes, the tonsil stone will not cause pain. Common symptoms can include a sensation of something stuck in the throat and bad breath. Much rarer symptoms include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and ear pain. These symptoms are rare, and oftentimes not seen.

What is NOT a tonsil stone? Oftentimes, posts on here include images of people with patches on their tonsils. Patches are on top of the tonsils, not embedded within. Think of a scab on your arm, that's what a patch is. DO NOT touch said patch whatsoever, as that can spread the bacteria or virus that is causing said patches. There are a few main things that can cause patches and tonsillitis (swelling of the tonsils), such as a bacterial infection, viral infection, or an STI.

What is the bacterial infection? The bacterial infection is more commonly known as Strep Throat, also known as Streptococcal Pharyngitis. Symptoms include a sore throat, fevers, chills, patches on the tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. The bacteria is contagious and is transmitted through the mucus or sores of someone else with strep throat. Oftentimes, after a diagnosis a doctor will prescribe antibiotics.

What is the viral infection? The viral infection is known as Mono, or Mononucleosis. The symptoms are large lymph nodes, fatigue, sore throat, and can cause tonsils similar in appearance to those in Strep Throat. Antibiotics will not help with a virus.

What is the STD? Most STDs do not affect the throat, but the most common is Chlamydia. Though rare, it can cause symptoms such as a sore throat, mouth sores, and dental problems. Oral STDs will not look similar to Strep or Mono. Tonsils may be enlarged, but may not have patches. Oftentimes, the main symptoms will be a sore throat and swollen tonsils.

Also a note, we aren't doctors. Some of the images I've seen on here require medical attention due to the severity of the patches. It doesn't help that people keep picking off their patches. PLEASE do not touch your patches, I swear to God. You will make your condition worse. Please look up pictures of tonsil stones versus strep throat and compare the differences. Also, if your throat is sore, don't touch it whatsoever even if you're 100% confident it's just a tonsil stone.


r/tonsilstones 1h ago

Stone Removal Video I had no idea there was such a following for this!! You guys seemed to really enjoy my video yesterday. Thought I’d go scooping around and see if I had any more. Lo and behold… I present another 👨‍🍼

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Upvotes

r/tonsilstones 4h ago

Need Advice So many stones

0 Upvotes

Hi guys I am new here and need advice. I have been getting stones for a while now but this evening I had one that was really irritating me so I removed it… then more and more kept coming and now it’s a never ending feeling of stones in that tonsil. I removed probably about 20 smaller ones and there are still so many more in there. I had to stop extracting them because my tonsil started to mildly bleed along with ear pain. I am so frustrated and it is keeping me up because of the discomfort. I brush twice daily, floss and mouthwash. Help


r/tonsilstones 17h ago

Need Advice Recurring tonsil stones - need adive

3 Upvotes

I have an enlarged tonsillar crypt in one of my tonsils that is the perfect place for tonsil stones to form. I have good oral hygiene, but this area is not really able to be cleaned or cleared very easily, as it's sort of a little pocket. Every time I remove a tonsil stone, more come back very quickly. I only ever get them in this little area. I'm at my wits' end and don't know what to do to stop them from forming.


r/tonsilstones 14h ago

Need Advice Complete Tonsil Removal, Partial Removal, or Cryptolysis?

1 Upvotes

My doctor says he will completely remove my tonsils, but I am wondering if risks outweigh the benefits for me. I have cryptic tonsils and get food stuck in them and lots of stones. I dont have recurrent tonsillitis. I know a complete removal would solve the problem, but I am also wondering if just a partial removal or cryptolysis would be sufficient. I am hesistant for the complete removal due to the tonsils being an important part of the immune/lymphatic system. I have seen quite a few people say they get sick more often and have allergies since getting theirs removed, with the other half saying the opposite. The consensus seems to be that tonsils are not important for the immune system anymore, but I dont think thats been proven definitively

Has anyone resolved their tonsil stones problem with partial removal or cryptolysis?


r/tonsilstones 18h ago

Need Advice recurring tonsil stones??

1 Upvotes

for as long as i can remember i cough up a tonsil stone about ~every 3 weeks to a month.

i never know when one’s coming until it’s ejecting- ill feel something in my throat, cough, and it goes flying.

i brush my teeth twice a day and floss once a day- almost every day, i’m not perfect. i also mouthwash.

i never see them in my throat though i haven’t really looked, because again i never feel them.

i notice after one comes out my throat feels a little weird, like not soreeeee per se but just.. off.

should i be concerned? is this normal?
google is scaring me.


r/tonsilstones 1d ago

OTHER I'm so sick of this

2 Upvotes

This is a very embarrassing post, but I just need to get this out.

I've been getting tonsil stones for almost a year now, and it's really taking a toll on my mental health. I stopped dating, cut off all friends. I'm scared of going outside and talking to people because of how bad my breath is. Just the thought of going outside gives me severe anxiety. When I spit out stones, they're usually huge, and it makes me cry and gag. Sometimes I even want to die because of how disgusting I feel. I have surgery scheduled half a year from now, but I'm sick of waiting for it. It feels like my life is on hold all because of this stupid situation. I tried getting bumped up to an earlier surgery date, but I failed. I just don't know what to do and I'm sick and tired of all of this.


r/tonsilstones 2d ago

Tips & Tricks Tonsil Stone Remedy

7 Upvotes

I was struggling with tonsils stones a lot maybe a year ago. At the time, my wisdom teeth were coming in and one was starting to protrude out so I thought that might be the cause because food would get stuck in the spaces. So when I finally got my wisdom teeth out I expected the tonsil stone issue to go away. But it didn’t. I definitely got less, but I would still have them frequently, like every 5-7 days would be a slightly less, but still large, haul of tonsil stones.

One day I ran out of toothpaste and remembered when I was at a Dollar Tree, so I grabbed the $1 tube of Crest Tartar protection toothpaste. I started using it and the next week when I went for my weekly rinse out, there were hardly any stones at all to come out. I didn’t immediately think it was the toothpaste, but the following week when I went to clear them out I got no tonsil stones at all. Then I was convinced it was the toothpaste, but proving it further. I went on a family trip and used a different toothpaste that someone had and on the fourth day I felt the familiar scratch at the back of my throat.

It may not work for everyone, but this has genuinely made such a huge difference in my life. I was getting them BAD. I couldn’t keep up with how quickly they were coming and it lead me to be embarrassed and nervous to speak at all for the better part of a year. So if you can relate I definitely recommend giving this a try.


r/tonsilstones 1d ago

Discussion What’s this below my left tonsil? It’s not painful, can’t feel it, not sore and has been there for a while?

0 Upvotes

r/tonsilstones 2d ago

OTHER Robbie Williams goes on German TV and launches a tonsil stone at the microphone

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147 Upvotes

r/tonsilstones 2d ago

Discussion Saw an ENT today for the first time

10 Upvotes

Hey guys, I’ve had chronic BB for like 13-14 years now literally. Oral hygiene has always been good no issues there but I’ve always had a tonsil stone come out here and there on its own, or I used to be able to press on my tonsils and get them out but lately my tonsils have only gotten larger. They have a bunch of deep crypts I literally can’t even get stones out anymore, my throat is always sore. Even if I get a stone out the BB is still there. I notice dairy makes my breath worse though and he put a camera down my nose and said it looks like I could have some acid reflux so maybe I’ll check in with a gastro dr first but basically

He said he’s against surgery for me and that it’s very risky for adults and even said it’s life threatening. He strongly recommended against it and honestly scared me! He said he’ll do it if I really want but that he can’t promise it’ll get rid of the stones? Idk what to do or what to think.


r/tonsilstones 2d ago

Need Advice Ive never ever had or noticed them in 22 years

1 Upvotes

Im 22 yr old male and recently (this week)
Discovered what tonsil stones are, so i was brushing my teeth and i spit one out then i got sick a few days later with a sore throat and then boom 2 more same time in the morning ,so i was reading up and when i got home i pressed with my finger and kept on playing around with them and i swear i literally got like 15 out and i feel so disgusted, their were a few surface level when i pressed but after they were extracted i kept on pressing to make sure i was good…. Guess not and so they just kept on comming like i literally watched then come through nothingus into existence.

Any help/tips or information