They’re not exactly dinner‑table conversation (for a reason), but those small white or yellowish lumps that can suddenly appear at the back of your throat, known as
tonsil stones,
are far more common than most people realize.
Officially called tonsilloliths, they form when bits of food, mucus, and bacteria get trapped in the folds of your tonsils and harden over time. If you’ve ever coughed one up and wondered what strange object just escaped your body, you’re in good company. While usually harmless, these stones can cause bad breath, throat irritation, and plenty of discomfort, making them a weird but important part of everyday health.
Curious how these tiny troublemakers form, why they matter, and what you can do about them? Click on.