Given the massive size and reach of the internet, it’s no surprise that you can easily find content online that can shock, amaze, or even disgust you.
Social media platforms have made it easier than ever to share photos and videos worldwide. Because of this, certain trends pop up, with waves of similar content appearing during specific periods.
One thing that consistently captures people’s attention is content about our bodies and all the strange, fascinating, and sometimes gross things it can do. You’ve probably come across videos of pimple popping (yuck!), cyst draining (double yuck!), and earwax removal.
But have you ever heard of tonsil stones? I hadn’t either, so when I saw a video about them, I decided to do what I do best – share the information with you lovely readers.
I have to admit, I’m pretty curious when it comes to things related to the human body. I don’t necessarily enjoy watching them, but I got hooked on the viral trend of “pimple popping” videos like a lot of people did.
So when I stumbled across a video about “tonsil stones,” I wasn’t sure what I was getting into.
First, let me explain what tonsil stones actually are. I had never heard of them before, much less seen one. Maybe I’m alone in that, or maybe some of you are just as unfamiliar. Either way, let’s dive in…
According to the Mayo Clinic, tonsil stones are hard white or yellow formations that form on your tonsils. They aren’t usually painful or harmful and can often be treated with simple home remedies.
Tonsil stones are caused by materials and debris getting trapped in the tonsillar crypts, which are small pockets in your tonsils. Tonsils are the oval-shaped tissues at the back of your throat that help fight infections. The trapped materials can include minerals like calcium, food particles, or even bacteria and fungi.
Tonsil stones are more common than people realize, although they don’t always cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include bad breath, coughing, ear pain, and a sore throat, among other things.
Reports say that around 3 million Americans experience tonsil stones each year, but the good news is that removing them is usually simple and easy. There are several home methods to get rid of tonsil stones, such as gargling with salt water or using a soft tool like a cotton swab to gently remove them.
In some cases, even having a strong cough can loosen the stones and help bring them up on their own.