The internet is a treasure trove of surprising body facts, from pimple-popping clips to earwax removal videos that go viral. Recently, I discovered something I’d never heard of: tonsil stones. It caught me off guard, and I knew I had to dig deeper to share this quirky health topic with you and your family.
I’ve always been fascinated by the strange things our bodies do, even if they’re a bit icky. Those viral videos of cyst draining or pimple popping? I’ll confess, I’ve been drawn in by their weird appeal. But when I stumbled on a tonsil stone removal video, I was clueless. I had no idea what they were, and I’m guessing some of you might be in the same boat—or maybe you’ve experienced them firsthand.
According to the Mayo Clinic, tonsil stones are small, hard lumps, often white or yellow, that form on your tonsils—the two tissues at the back of your throat that fight infections. They happen when food, bacteria, or minerals like calcium get stuck in the tonsils’ small pockets, called crypts. These stones aren’t painful or dangerous, and you can usually treat them at home with easy methods.
Tonsil stones are surprisingly common, affecting around 3 million Americans each year. Not everyone feels symptoms, but they can cause bad breath, a cough, a sore throat, or ear pain. To get rid of them, you can gargle with salt water or gently use a cotton swab. Sometimes, a big cough is enough to dislodge them. It’s a simple fix for a common issue.
I saw a video of someone removing a tonsil stone, and it’s pretty intense! It’s not for everyone, but it’s oddly intriguing if you’re curious about the body. Have you ever had tonsil stones? Or is this news to you? Let us know in the comments. If you enjoyed learning about this, check out more family-friendly health tips on our site!
