Tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths, are small, hard formations on the tonsils that appear white or yellow and are often mistaken for food particles. Though they may look concerning, they are usually harmless and painless. Tonsil stones form when debris like food,
particles, dead cells,mucus, and bacteria get trapped and calcify in tonsillar crypts. Symptoms include bad breath, throat discomfort, coughing, ear pain (due to shared nerve pathways), and difficulty swallowing, especially with larger stones.