Here is what you need to know about tonsil stones, the weird pimple like growths in your throat

The internet is full of fascinating and sometimes gross content, like pimple-popping and earwax removal videos. One day, I came across a video of someone removing a tonsil stone, and I was both horrified and intrigued. So, I dug deeper.

Tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths, are small, hard lumps that form on the tonsils from trapped food, bacteria, and dead cells. While they’re generally harmless, they can cause bad breath, sore throat, or ear pain. Around 3 million Americans experience them each year, often without realizing it.

Removing tonsil stones is usually simple—gargling salt water, using a cotton swab, or coughing can dislodge them. In tougher cases, you might need specialized tools or a doctor’s help.

The video I saw showed someone extracting a tonsil stone in graphic detail—gross, but oddly fascinating. It’s the kind of content that sparks morbid curiosity, similar to pimple-popping videos.

Tonsil stones might not be glamorous, but they’re an interesting part of human anatomy. Have you ever had one? Let us know!