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What are tonsil stones? Are they dangerous?

3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Russell Faust
ENT - Head & Neck Surgery
1 doctor agrees

In brief: 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.

In brief: 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.
Dr. Russell Faust
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Dr. Russell Faust
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Dr. Revathi Naadimuthu
Ophthalmology

In brief: Not dangerous

They are little accumulations that develop within the tonsils.
It may be from food or other proteinaceous material.

In brief: Not dangerous

They are little accumulations that develop within the tonsils.
It may be from food or other proteinaceous material.
Dr. Revathi Naadimuthu
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Dr. Revathi Naadimuthu
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