Tonsil stones usually take a bit of time to form and can be either very small, medium-sized, or very large. In fact, the largest tonsil stone on record is 14.5 cm, which is shy of six inches wide. However, most tonsil stones are small, and patients may not even realize at first that they have them.
Tonsil stones, also called tonsilloliths or tonsilliths, are growths that can form on the tonsils. These bumps can range in size from a grain of rice to a grape.
When doctors finally removed them, his larger tonsil clocked in at 2.1 inches long and 1.1 inches wide, thoroughly beating the competition. "I ended up crushing" the record, said Werner, who beat out the previous record holder, Justin Dodge of Milwaukee, Wis., by about 0.8 inches.
The stones are usually small — it is rare to have a large tonsil stone. Tonsil stones are not harmful and may not need to be treated, but surgical options are available if they become a problem.
Tonsil stones form when this debris hardens, or calcifies. This tends to happen most often in people who have long-term inflammation in their tonsils or repeated cases of tonsillitis. Many people have small tonsilloliths, but it's rare to have a large tonsil stone.
Tonsil stones usually take a bit of time to form and can be either very small, medium-sized, or very large. In fact, the largest tonsil stone on record is 14.5 cm, which is shy of six inches wide.
Tonsil stones usually fall out with time. A person may cough out a stone or feel it dislodge before swallowing it. However, if a person has a persistent stone that seems to be getting larger, they should speak with a doctor.
Tonsil stones are caused by debris trapped in the tonsillar crypts, which calcifies. This can often be food, although bacteria, fungi, and mucus can also form tonsil stones. They can also develop due to allergies when you have an upper respiratory tract infection like the flu, a common cold, or a post-nasal drip.
Tonsil stones look like small white or pale yellow bumps on your tonsils. Usually they're the size of gravel or slightly larger. They can smell foul and cause bad breath. Other typical symptoms include: sore throat, the sensation of something being stuck in the back of your throat, and problems swallowing.
Today, however, this once common procedure is no longer a standard operating procedure. Why? Dr. DeMarino says that, “There are fewer tonsillectomies due to skepticism in the medical community over its usefulness in infection control and more stringent guidelines.”
For larger stones that won't budge, or if you have symptoms of a tonsil stone but don't see one in your throat, it's time to consult a doctor. Procedures for removing stubborn tonsil stones include: Saltwater gargles. Numbing your throat, so that the doctor can manually remove the stone.
Gargling with salt water is a known method of making your throat feel better, but it can also dislodge tonsil stones. The salt acts as an abrasive that shakes everything loose in the back of your throat. The salt can also change up the chemistry in your mouth which will reduce the further presence of tonsil stones.
Removing tonsil stones at home is generally not recommended because tonsils are delicate tissues and bleeding and infection may occur if stones are not carefully removed.
Tonsil stones are often described as smelling like sulfur, vomit and rotten eggs. The pungent strong odor is caused by the buildup of bacteria, food particles, and other debris in the tonsil crevices. The smell can sometimes be so intense that other people in our lives can smell the tonsil stones.
Because tonsils stones are composed primarily of bacteria, this is known to produce a foul-smelling sulfide. You will notice this both when the stone is in your tonsil and when it is dislodged and visible outside your body.
If you have a history of chronic tonsillitis or other medical conditions that increase your risk of tonsil stones, you may need to take additional steps to prevent them. This can include avoiding certain foods, such as dairy products or sugary snacks, that can contribute to the formation of tonsil stones.
A tongue depressor is often used to dislodge larger tonsil stones; your dentist will apply pressure next to the tonsillith with the tongue depressor to dislodge it.
2+ – Tonsils occupy 26 to 50% of the lateral dimension of the oropharynx. 3+ – Tonsils occupy 51 to 75% of the lateral dimension of the oropharynx. 4+ – Tonsils occupy more than 75% of the lateral dimension of the oropharynx.
Tonsilloliths or tonsillar concretions occur in up to 10% of the population, frequently due to episodes of tonsillitis. While small concretions in the tonsils are common, true stones are less so. They commonly occur in young adults and are rare in children.
Photo: Topekan Justin Werner, 21, set the record for the world's largest tonsils. The previous Guinness world record was held by Justin Dodge, of Milwaukee. Werner's tonsils 0.8 inches and 0.6 longer than Dodge's tonsils.
How long do tonsil stones last? Tonsil stones may last anywhere from several days to several years. Most tonsil stones clear up in 1-3 weeks on their own. Large stones may remain on the tonsils for many years if not removed by a doctor.