Tonsil stones are clusters of trapped debris, including:
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Dead cells
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Food particles
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Bacteria
Over time, these materials harden into soft, whitish or yellowish lumps in the crypts (pockets) of the tonsils.
As bacteria break them down, they release volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) — the main cause of the foul smell.
📌 Not everyone gets them — but those with deep tonsil crypts or chronic postnasal drip are more prone.
