TONSIL STONE Also known as tonsoliths, tonsil stones are accumulations of mucus, debris, and bacteria that form in the tonsils, forming white or yellow balls. Tonsil stones do not always cause symptoms, but when symptoms do occur, they may include recurrent bad breath, a bad or metallic taste in the mouth, pain or difficulty when swallowing, swelling of the tonsils, and sometimes earache. The stones may also give off a putrid smell.
Tonsil stones that cause no symptoms do not usually need treatment.
Large or troublesome tonsil stones may be removed by surgery.