Tonsil Stones: Bad Smelling Chunks from Throat

Upon coughing up a little white chunk from the back of my throat, I decided to take a risk and smell this little ball of death. I was not prepared for the foul smell that could very well haunt me for the rest of my life!

After a recent doctor visit, I now have a proper term for this nuisance called "tonsilloliths" or commonly referred to as a "tonsil stone". This problem is normally found in children and young adults, but grownups are now routinely asking the question; what are these chunks coming from my mouth?

My doctor had a simple answer to my question in which she described these tonsil stones as "debris and bacteria buildup that gather on the tonsils". Fortunately, if you experience this phenomenon, then rest assured that these chunks of matter do not mean your health is deteriorating in any way shape or form.

Tonsil stones can definitely scare you if you don't know what they are. They feel rubbery and somewhat hard, but can be squished between your fingers. The little chunks are very noticeable by either bad breathe, or the feeling of having "something" stuck in your throat. No matter how hard you cough or how much Listerine you rinse with, these tonsil stones can hang on by dear life and continue to enlarge. There are a couple ways to address the issue, so let's get to them...

First, the stones gather on your tonsils. Food debris and bacteria are met with your white blood cells that try to break the matter down. As the enzymes break down the bacteria and debris, the white blood cells remain to form this little rubbery formation of unhappiness. Rinsing your mouth out and not eating within an hour of going to bed will greatly reduce the tonsil stones ability to miraculously appear.

Second, tonsil stones can also be present after a sinus infection or strep throat, so finishing your antibiotics is important in preventing their birth. My doctor explained that a Waterpik (a dental irrigation tool) can be used to try and force the stones out of the tonsil area.

Third, if you have tried every remedy to prevent tonsil stones, make an appointment with an ENT (Ears, Nose, and Throat doctor). The only surefire way of preventing tonsil stones is to have your tonsils removed which is easier said than done. Tonsillectomy procedures are not common anymore due to serious health risks as we age, but this procedure can be well worth the hassle if you continually experience coughing up these devils along with other health issues. Don't jump too soon though, tonsils purposely catch bacteria to help prevent infections. Always speak to your doctor about your situation!

I have researched tonsil stones and I find peace that this occurrence is not rare. Some people get them and some people don't. If by chance you end up seeing or feeling a tonsil stone, try and take precautionary steps like rinsing after meals and lowering your caffeine intake. These simple steps can help reduce the routine experience of checking the back of your throat for these little bombs of unpleasantness. I hope that my experience helps you, if you should find yourself researching "tonsil stones" or "little chunks of my insides coming out of my mouth".