Within the tonsils, there are so-called crypts, which are peculiar cavities. Various substances can accumulate in these, such as bacterial cells, saliva, food debris or dead cells. These are the substances that can make up tonsil stones. These substances are present in all people, but not everyone is affected by tonsil stones - it is not entirely clear what is responsible for their occurrence. Some authors link tonsil stones to recurrent inflammation of the sinuses and the tonsils themselves, while others point out that they are more frequently observed in people with large tonsils.

Although we cannot usually see tonsilstones on our own, we can - and literally do - sense their presence. They can be the cause of bad breath. The fact that tonsil stones are responsible for this troublesome condition may be suggested, among other things, by the fact that efforts at proper oral hygiene do not bring the expected results. Tonsil stones may also be considered as a possible cause of bad breath if the problem is accompanied by the constant feeling of having some unidentified obstruction in the throat.

What should you do if you suspect you have tonsil stones? The safest thing to do is to see a doctor. A specialist will be able to assess whether the patient has such formations, but will also be able to apply the correct - and above all safe - method of removing them. On the Internet you can find descriptions, for example, of squeezing out the contents of the tonsil crypts with cosmetic sticks, but it is best to refrain from this and leave the evacuation of the contents of the tonsils to a specialist. If this is done in the wrong way, there is a risk of irritation or bleeding of the tonsils, among other things.