We know exactly what they are, they are merely small lumps that are cream colored which when either coughed up or swallowed may cause a disturbance by giving off an uneasy sensation at the back of the throat. Studies show that they are sulfur-producing bacteria, saliva, food particles, dead white blood cells and dead skin cells. These particles collect in the tonsil’s crevices, which eventually create a tonsillolith. They form in various sizes, which apparently have something to do on the period of time they grow, before dislodging out.
If you crush or simply open a particular tonsil stone, it provides a very unpleasant smell, similar to the combination of vomit and rotten eggs. A tonsilolith contains bits of methyl mercaptain and hydrogen sulfide, which are great contributors in creating these foul smells, the same gases that produce halitosis problems. On the other hand, a tonsil stone only form in people who still contain their tonsils. However, surgically removing them is not feasible to prevent yourself from getting this problem. Moreover, their removal would only be possible when a serious condition warrants it. An operation would therefore become unnecessary. Continue reading ‘Tonsillolith 101 – Getting to Know a Tonsillolith’ »