Tonsilloliths, also known as tonsil stones, are calcified clusters that can form on the palatine or lingual tonsils. They are mostly composed of calcium and other minerals. Tonsils are located in the back of the throat and contain crevices where debris like dead cells and mucus can accumulate and harden into white formations over time. Tonsil stones often cause no symptoms but can produce pain when swallowing and bad breath. Treatment options range from no intervention for minor cases to surgery, laser removal, irrigation, or curettage for more severe symptoms.

1. Tonsilloliths, which is also referred to as tonsil stones, are
clusters that have become calcified and developed on the
tonsils. Typically they form on palatine tonsils, but are
capable of producing on lingual tonsils. The clusters are
mostly composed of calcium, but may include
phosphorus, magnesium, ammonia and carbonate.

2. Tonsils are located in the back of the throat and gland like
in structure. There is one located on each side of the
throat in a pocket. These structures are made from tissue
that has lymphocytes, the cells that fight and prevent
infections. These parts are known for playing a major role
in the immune system and are designed to act as nets that
trap virus and bacteria particles from passing into the
throat.

3. This condition may have no symptoms, but is often
associated with pain when swallowing and bad breath. It
is more common for adults to have this issue than
children. Typically when the stones are small, they do not
produce extreme symptoms. Even when they are big, they
may only be discoverable by CAT scans or X-rays. Other
common symptoms: throat tightening or closing, choking,
fits of coughing and metallic taste.

4. In larger cases, multiple symptoms may be present. One
symptom is recurrent halitosis, which is often present with
sore throat, tonsil infection, bad taste in the
throat, problems swallowing, tonsil swelling, ear ache and
white debris. The exact cause for this condition is
unknown.

5. These stones are calcifications that develop in tonsil
crypts. They may also develop in the throat or on the roof
area of the mouth. Tonsils include numerous crevices that
can be breeding ground for bacteria, dead cells, mucus
and other materials. When this happens, the debris may
turn into the white formations. Tonsilloliths are formed
when the trapped material combines and hardens. This
problem is likely to develop in those who suffer with
chronic tonsil inflammation or repeated cases of tonsillitis.

6. Usually treatment is not required. This is because most
cases of this condition are not accompanied with major, or
any, symptoms. But there are four key types of treatment
issued in severe cases. They are: surgery, laser, irrigation
and curettage. The process of laser resurfacing, or laser
cryptolysis, involves lowering the surface area of tonsils.
This practice is normally done with the patient under local
anesthetic. In the procedure known as curettage, tissue is
removed using a curette. This is more common for big
stones.

7. Irrigation is a basic but effective practice the involves use
of oral irrigators to remove stones and clean nearby
crypts. Often irrigators are not used for stone removal
because they have a high amount of power that can be
dangerous for the tonsils and uncomfortable for patients.
Surgery, called tonsillectomy, is often a last resort option
that involves the complete removal of one or both tonsils.

8. Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, is a condition
that develops within tonsils. Bacteria and other harmful
elements becoming lodged in crannies and nooks of the
tonsils is the most common cause for the problem. In
some cases, this condition will go away without
treatment, but there are care options for severe cases.

9. http://www.endofillness.net/