The appearance of white balls in the throat—especially if they have a foul smell and are accompanied by bad breath—is most commonly a sign of tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths.
What are tonsil stones?
Tonsil stones are calcified debris that form in the crevices of the tonsils. They’re made up of:
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Dead cells
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Mucus
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Bacteria
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Food particles
Over time, this debris can harden or form soft, white/yellowish lumps in the back of the throat, often lodged in the tonsil crypts (small pockets in the tonsils).
Common symptoms:
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Bad breath (halitosis)
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White or yellow lumps in the back of the throat
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Sore throat or irritation
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Difficulty swallowing (in some cases)
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Ear pain (due to shared nerve pathways)
Causes:
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Poor oral hygiene
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Chronic tonsillitis
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Large tonsil crypts
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Post-nasal drip
Treatment options:
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Manual removal (with a cotton swab or water flosser)
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Gargling with salt water or mouthwash
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Antibiotics (in cases of infection)
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Tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils in chronic or severe cases)
If they’re a recurring issue or causing discomfort, it’s a good idea to see an ENT specialist.
Would you like tips on removing them at home or advice on how to prevent them?
