Question 1

can you get tonsil stones without having tonsils?

Accepted Answer

Not typically: Tonsil stones form when mucus and food debris get stuck in crypts of tonsils, typically shouldn't occur if tonsils completely removed.

Question 2

if you have tonsil stones, can you still speak?

Accepted Answer

Tonsil Stones: Tonsil stones, calculi (tonsilloliths) are clusters of small calcified debris, made up of dead cells, food material, bacteria and mucus that become trapped in the nook and crannies of the tonsils.  They do not affect the vocal cords, so you should be able to speak normally with tonsilloliths.

Question 3

what can cause tonsil stones?

Accepted Answer

Eating: Tonsil stones (i.e. Tonsilliths) are collections of food and debris which get trapped in the tonsils.  This material gets infected usually becomes foul smelling.  Some tonsils have more nooks and crannies in which to collect this debris, which makes the stones larger and/or more numerous.  If removed, tonsilliths usually will recur.  If severe, tonsillectomy will cure the problem. Best wishes.

Question 4

can tonsil stones be harmful?

Accepted Answer

No! Offensive?  Yes!: Tonsil stones are offensive due to odor.  They may cause discomfort and possibly and infection could result from them.  Mostly it is odor and cosmetic.

Question 5

what herbs cure tonsil stones?

Accepted Answer

None really: It is not a medical problem, more of a physical one.  Medications, herbs, mouthwashes generally don't help.   If the tonsils have the deep crypts which trap food debris, tonsil stones will form.  They  can be removed cleaned out,  but usually recur. If tonsil stones are a severe and chronic problem, tonsillectomy will cure the issues.  See your local ent. Best wishes.

Question 6

what can dissolve tonsil stones?

Accepted Answer

No need: It is unnecessary to treat tonsil stones as they generally are not related to any health consequences.

Question 7

how do i know i have tonsil stones?

Accepted Answer

Look in the mirror: Tonsilloliths or so called stones in the tonsils are usually collections of food particles in the crypts (grooves) on the surface of the tonsil.  You can see them in the mirror as small white round collections.  They may represent bacterial colonies, food particles or small retention cysts.  They often produce a foul odor to the breath and may be a minor indication for tonsil removal.

Question 8

should you remove tonsil stones yourself?

Accepted Answer

No: Always allow trained professional to manage your health for optimal outcome.

Question 9

what are tonsil stones? are they dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Not dangerous: Tonsils "stones" - tonsil liths - are a collection of bacteria, sloughed cells from the lining of the oral cavity, and microscopic particles of food, that accumulate in the pits of the tonsil surface. They often are irritating, and contribute to bad breath. They are not dangerous. Some people have luck with a "water pik" to regularly remove them.

Question 10

what is the definition or description of: tonsil stones?

Accepted Answer

Tonsil stone: Tonsil stone - tonsilloliths - collection of bacterial &amp; cellular debris  in tonsillar crypts,

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Can you have tonsil stones without tonsils

A member asked:

Can you get tonsil stones without having tonsils?

A member asked:

If you have tonsil stones, can you still speak?

A member asked:

What can cause tonsil stones?

A member asked:

Can tonsil stones be harmful?

A member asked:

What herbs cure tonsil stones?

A member asked:

What can dissolve tonsil stones?

A member asked:

How do i know i have tonsil stones?

A member asked:

Should you remove tonsil stones yourself?

A member asked:

What are tonsil stones? are they dangerous?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: tonsil stones?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?