onsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are mineralization of debris within the crevices of the tonsils.

[1][3] When not mineralized, the presence of debris is known as chronic caseous

tonsillitis (CCT).[1] Symptoms may include bad breath.[1] Generally there is no pain, though there may be the feeling of something present.[1]

Risk factors may include recurrent throat infections.[2] Tonsil stones contain a biofilm composed of a number of different bacteria.[1] While they most commonly occur in the palatine tonsils, they
may also occur in the lingual tonsils.[3] Tonsil stones have been recorded weighing from 0.3 g to 42 g.[3] They may be found during medical imaging for other reasons.[4]

If tonsil stones do not bother a person, no treatment is needed.[1] Otherwise gargling salt water and manual removal may be tried. [1] Chlorhexidine may also be tried.[1] Surgical treatment may
include partial or complete tonsil removal.[1][5] Up to 10% of people have tonsil stones.[1] Males and females are affected equally.[1] Older people are more commonly affected. [2]