You’re brushing your teeth.
You lean into the mirror.
And there it is — a small white or yellow speck nestled in the back of your throat.
Or maybe you’ve had a persistent metallic taste.
A nagging cough.
Or bad breath — even after brushing, flossing, and mouthwash.
You’re not imagining it.
You might have tonsil stones — also known as tonsilloliths.
They sound scary.
They look strange.
But here’s the good news:
Tonsil stones are common, usually harmless, and often easy to manage.
Let’s break down what they really are, why they form, and what you can do — safely — to get rid of them and keep them from coming back.
🧠 What Are Tonsil Stones?