The internet is full of fascinating and sometimes gross videos and photos about our bodies, ranging from the popular pimple popping clips to earwax removals. One lesser-known but fascinating topic that has recently gained attention is tonsil stones. I hadn’t heard of them before stumbling upon a video, so I decided to dig deeper and share what I learned with you.

To start, tonsil stones, according to the Mayo Clinic, are small, hard lumps that develop on the tonsils, usually white or yellow in color. They aren’t painful or dangerous but can be annoying. These stones are formed when bits of food, bacteria, dead cells, and minerals like calcium get trapped in the tiny crevices of your tonsils—the oval-shaped tissues in the back of your throat that help fight infections.

Tonsil stones are more common than most people realize, although not everyone with them experiences symptoms. 

When symptoms do appear, they can include bad breath, coughing, ear pain, and a sore throat. It’s reported that millions of Americans suffer from them yearly.

The good news is that tonsil stones are generally easy to remove. Home treatments such as gargling salt water or gently using a cotton swab can help dislodge them. Even a strong cough can loosen the stones and bring them out naturally. If you’re curious, there are many videos online showing the removal process—though be warned, some are quite graphic!

Have you ever experienced tonsil stones? Share your experience in the comments. And if you found this article interesting, there’s plenty more to explore on related health topics.