Q & A : What are tonsil stones and why do I get them?

 

Q: What causes tonsil stones and why do I get them all the time?

A: Well, it’s time to get gross.  Tonsil stones are made of dead cells, food particles, mucous, bacteria and fungi.  Our tonsils have tiny pockets in them, and some people’s tonsil pockets become abnormally large to be visible.  These are called crypts.  Cryptic tonsils can become filled with this foul potpourri of nastiness.  If you don’t think a tonsil stone (called a tonsillith or tonsillolith) is gross, you’ve never had one.  They smell awful and are a known cause of bad breath (or halitosis).  

So what to do about them?  I have spoken with people who can push theirs out with a q-tip, but I wouldn’t recommend that.  I recommend trying a water pick to irrigate out the crypts, but some people feel that it hurts to do this.  Obviously, tonsillectomy is very effective, but it is only considered if nothing else is working and the tonsil stones are very bothersome.  

Back to the question: Why do I get them? That’s simple.  It’s because you are cursed.  Some voodoo master is out there, cursing people.  And he’s cursed you with tonsil stones.  Alright, that last part may not be true.  But it could be….

 
 
 

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Throat, Daily LifeErin Shellenbergerthroat, tonsils, tonsil stones, mouth