Tonsillolith (also known as a tonsil stone)
Scientific Name: Tonsillolith
Order & Family: Non-living (Calcified biological material)
Size: Generally ranges from 1mm to 10mm, though rare cases can be larger.
Natural Habitat
The crevices or crypts of the palatine tonsils in the human throat.
Diet & Feeding
Not applicable; they are formed from trapped food particles, dead cells, mucus, and oral bacteria.
Behavior Patterns
They form as debris calcifies over time within the tonsils. They can remain lodged in the crypts or be coughed up naturally.
Risks & Benefits
Risks include halitosis (bad breath), sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and ear pain. They offer no biological benefits.
Identified on: 1/1/2026