Tonsil Stone (Tonsillolith)
Scientific Name: Tonsillolith
Order & Family: N/A (Not a biological organism, but a calcified accumulation)
Size: Typically 1mm to 5mm, but can occasionally grow larger.
Natural Habitat
Found in the crypts (crevices) of the palatine tonsils in the human mouth.
Diet & Feeding
N/A (Formed from trapped debris including food particles, dead cells, mucus, and bacteria)
Behavior Patterns
These are inanimate accretions. They form slowly over time as debris accumulates and hardens (calcifies) within the folds of the tonsils. They may be dislodged by coughing or eating.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Can cause significant halitosis (bad breath), sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or ear pain. Benefits: None, though they are generally benign and not a sign of serious disease.
Identified on: 2/20/2026