Tonsilloliths, which is also referred to as tonsil stones, are clusters that have become calcified and developed on the tonsils. Typically they form on palatine tonsils, but are capable of producing on lingual tonsils. The clusters are mostly composed of calcium, but may include phosphorus, magnesium, ammonia and carbonate.

The tonsils are in the throat, located in the back on each side within a pocket. These units are made from tissue containing lymphocytes, which has cells that are used to prevent and fight infection. Tonsils are known to benefit the immune system by serving as a net that keeps harmful materials out of the body and throat.

This medical condition may be present without symptoms, but typically it involves bad breath and painful swallowing. It is an issue that commonly afflicts adults rather than children. If the stones are small, they are usually without major symptoms. In cases where they are quite large, there still may be no symptoms and the condition can only be diagnosed through X-rays or CAT scans. Patients who have suffered with this problem have reported coughing fits, a metallic taste in the mouth, tightening or closing of the throat and choking.

In severe cases, one may experience multiple symptoms. One common symptoms is repeated halitosis, which may come with tonsil infection, sore throat, trouble swallowing, sore throat, swelling of the tonsils, white debris, ear ache and a bad taste in the mouth and throat. The cause of this medical affliction is unknown.

The stones are deposits that have calcified in crypts of tonsils. These may develop on the roof of the mouth or the throat. There are several crevices in this region that serve as breeding ground for dead cells, mucus, bacteria and other harmful materials. This debris collects and then develops into white formations. Tonsilloliths occurs when the material that is trapped calcifies. Individuals who suffer from chronic tonsillitis or tonsil inflammation are more susceptible to developing this condition.

Usually treatment is not required. This is because most cases of this condition are not accompanied with major, or any, symptoms. But there are four key types of treatment issued in severe cases. They are: surgery, laser, irrigation and curettage. The process of laser resurfacing, or laser cryptolysis, involves lowering the surface area of tonsils. This practice is normally done with the patient under local anesthetic. In the procedure known as curettage, tissue is removed using a curette. This is more common for big stones.

Irrigation may be a simple process but it is also quite effective. This practice involves the application of oral irrigator devices that can clean the tonsil crypts as well as remove the stones. These devices are not always used for removal of clusters because of their strong power, which could cause discomfort to patients or rupture tonsils, resulting in more serious problems. Surgery, or tonsillectomy, is another treatment option that is often done as a last resort. During this procedure, the tonsillar fossa, one or both, is removed.

Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, is a condition that develops within tonsils. Bacteria and other harmful elements becoming lodged in crannies and nooks of the tonsils is the most common cause for the problem. In some cases, this condition will go away without treatment, but there are care options for severe cases.