To know if you have tonsil stones, look for these signs:
- Visible yellow or white bumps on your tonsils when you open your mouth wide and look in the mirror.
- Discomfort or a feeling of something stuck in the back of your throat.
- Chronic bad breath that does not improve with brushing or flossing.
- Coughing or frequent throat clearing due to irritation.
- Problems swallowing or pain in the back of the throat.
- Swollen tonsils in some cases.
Tonsil stones are small hardened lumps of debris that form in the crevices of your tonsils and can vary in size from tiny specks to larger, more noticeable lumps. Some people have tonsil stones without any symptoms, while larger stones tend to cause these discomforts. If tonsil stones are suspected, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, especially if symptoms are persistent or severe.