Tonsillar crypts are pockets or folds that occur naturally in tonsils, which are lumps of soft tissue on each side of the throat that are part of the immune system. Show
The average adult tonsil has anywhere from 10 to 20 crypts. The tonsil crypts appear as lines in the tonsils where two edges of the folds meet. Crypts in the tonsils are usually small and debris-free. However, if food, mucus, and other debris collects in them and gets stuck, it can harden into tonsil stones, also called tonsilloliths. This article will explore common symptoms, causes, and treatment for
tonsil stones that form in the crypts. SymptomsMost tonsil stones are harmless and do not lead to pain. If they are small, they may not cause any symptoms. If there are symptoms, they can include:
Bad breath is the most common symptom of tonsil stones. Tonsil stones can look like white or yellowish flecks at the back of the throat. Some are large enough to stick out from the tonsils, resembling tiny rocks. The crypts have low levels of oxygen, making the environment susceptible to bacteria that do not need oxygen, which are called anaerobes. When a mixture of bacteria starts to build up in the crypt, it can lead to an infection. The infection can cause inflammation that is sometimes referred to as chronic caseous tonsillitis or fetid tonsils. The "caseous" refers to a cheese-like formation in the crypts. If this cheese-like mix of bacteria, mucus, or other debris does not go away, it can harden or calcify into stones. CausesYou can get an infection or tonsil stones in the crypts if you have naturally wrinkly tonsils, which are more prone to trapping food. Other debris can build up in these holes in your tonsils as well, including pus—a thick fluid that is part of the body's inflammatory response to an infection—and bacteria that produce sulfur compounds and create bad breath. Cryptic tonsils account for only about 3% of cases of bad breath, though. Inflamed cryptic tonsils often look similar to
strep throat or other throat infections. Fortunately, cryptic tonsils alone are not generally harmful to your health. RecapFolds in tonsils called crypts are normal. If food and other material gets trapped in the crypts, it can lead to infections or harden into tonsil stones, causing bad breath and/or throat irritation. TreatmentThere are several options for removing tonsil stones if you have cryptic tonsils, depending on the severity of the condition. Tonsil stones are typically removed by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, throat doctor) or a dentist. Occasionally, a general practitioner might be able to remove your tonsil stones. Do not try to remove a tonsil stone on your own. Using a Waterpik may only force a stone deeper into the tissues. Tongue depressors, tweezers, dental picks, and even cotton swabs are more likely to cause harm than not. Tonsil Stone RemovalCommon methods a healthcare provider may use to remove tonsil stones include:
The laser for carbon dioxide laser cryptolysis works like peeling an onion. By doing so, it exposes the crypt and allows for the removal of the tonsil stone. You will be given a local anesthetic to prevent pain during the procedure, which will generally take about 20 minutes. Following the procedure, you will be asked to use over-the-counter pain relievers and gargle topical treatments for pain control, as well as gargle an antibiotic to prevent infection. Tonsillectomy SurgeryThe last option to treat cryptic tonsils is surgical removal of the tonsils, which is called a tonsillectomy. Removing the tonsils is highly effective, but the surgery has risks that must be considered, such as a risk of bleeding after the procedure. It also may include general anesthesia, which puts you into a sleep-like state for the surgery. Tonsillectomy is usually only recommended if other treatments weren't effective or if you have additional conditions such as sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep), chronic strep throat, or other chronic conditions affecting the throat. RecapThe typical treatment for tonsil
stones is removal by a specialist or dentist. If removal is ineffective or if you have other chronic conditions, your doctor may recommend surgical removal of the entire tonsils. SummaryIf food and debris gets trapped in the pockets and folds of your tonsils, it can harden into yellow or white deposits called tonsil stones. Tonsil stones in the crypts are usually
harmless but can lead to bad breath and throat irritation. It's not recommended to try to remove a tonsil stone on your own. An ear, nose, and throat specialist or dentist can use tools to remove them safely and fully. Frequently Asked Questions
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Additional Reading
By Kristin Hayes, RN Thanks for your feedback! Why does it feel like something is stuck in my tonsil?If you have tonsil stones, you might find it hard to swallow. It might feel like there's something stuck at the back of your throat. You might be able to see small patches of white on your tonsils. Tonsil stones can also trigger infections and can be difficult to treat with antibiotics.
Is there something stuck in my tonsil?Tonsil stones, also called tonsilloliths, are small lumps that form in your tonsils. The main symptom of tonsil stones is bad breath. Methods for tonsil stone removal at home include using a saltwater gargle or a water pick. If the tonsil stones keep coming back or bothering you, your provider may recommend surgery.
Is it normal to feel like something is stuck in your throat?“The most common reason people feel like they have food stuck in their throat is dysphagia due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),” says Loreli Garnica, M.D., a Piedmont family medicine physician. “GERD is also known as heartburn or reflux.”
How do you get rid of the feeling of something stuck in your throat?Ways to remove food stuck in throat. The 'Coca-Cola' trick. Research suggests that drinking a can of Coke, or another carbonated beverage, can help dislodge food stuck in the esophagus. ... . Simethicone. ... . Water. ... . A moist piece of food. ... . Alka-Seltzer or baking soda. ... . Butter. ... . Wait it out.. |