15 Home Remedies for Tonsil Stones Topic Guide

Tonsil stones (also called tonsilloliths or tonsil calculi) are clusters of calcifications, or stones, that develop in the tonsil’s craters (crypts). Tonsil stones in children can often be more problematic than those in adults because children cannot remove them on their own. This can lead to tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils).

A tonsillectomy, that is, the removal of the tonsil organs from the throat, is a procedure thought to help control frequent throat infections. As a result, the procedure was popular in the 1950s through 1970s. Many if not most of these surgeries were unecessary, however. But tonsillectomy is still indicated, in the following circumstances: Sleep apnea, Airway constriction, Abscess on or around the tonsils, Tonsil stones, and rarely, Suspicion of cancer.

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the glands of the throat, which results in a sore throat. Tonsillitis is either viral or bacterial. Tonsillitis is contagious. Symptoms of tonsillitis include sore throat, fever, pain when swallowing, headache, nausea, vomiting, cough, runny nose, hoarseness, ear pain, and redness of the eyes. Tonsillitis can be treated with antibiotics. Sometimes it is necessary to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy).