A 33-year-old member asked:
What are tonsil stones? are they dangerous?
4 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Russell Faustanswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 31 years experience
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.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Revathi Naadimuthuanswered
Ophthalmology 19 years experience
Not dangerous: They are little accumulations that develop within the tonsils. It may be from food or other proteinaceous material.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. William Lewisanswered
53 years experience
Generally not: Generally not , but best to see your otolaryngologist if recurrent and symptomatic.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
Dr. Ed Friedlanderanswered
Pathology 46 years experience
No: They're masses of keratin -- there's a propagated error on the internet giving a different composition. Get a penlight and a mirror and half-unbend a paper clip. You'll get good at it. Water pick is even better. If it's truly a nuisance, a otolaryngologist can laser-resurface your tonsils.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
Similar questions
A 42-year-old female asked:
What are tonsil stones?
4 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Kamanswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 38 years experience
Tonsilliths: They are bacterial colonies that form in tonsillar crypts. A common bacteria is actinomyces. It can give you a foreign body sensation in throat and halitosis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 28, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.