*Tonsil Stones (Tonsilloliths)* 🦷 *What are they?* Small, hard lumps that form in the crevices (crypts) of the tonsils. Made of debris like food, dead cells, and bacteria. *Causes:* - Poor oral hygiene - Chronic tonsillitis - Large tonsil crypts - Post-nasal drip *Symptoms:* - Bad breath (halitosis) - Sore throat - Difficulty swallowing - White or yellowish lumps in the tonsils - Ear pain (referred pain) *Treatment:* - Gargling with warm salt water - Manual removal (gently with a cotton swab) - Good oral hygiene - In persistent cases: tonsillectomy *Prevention:* - Brush tongue and teeth regularly - Gargle often - Stay hydrated - Consider tonsillectomy for recurrent stones.