In this article
- They may cause bad breath or a foreign-body sensation
- They are usually harmless
- Recurrent tonsillitis or deep crypts may contribute
Assessment and treatment
- Good oral hygiene and salt-water gargles
- Do not use sharp objects to remove them
- Seek ENT advice if recurrent or troublesome
At a glance
Definition: Food debris, cells and bacteria may collect in tonsil crypts and form small white or yellow deposits.
Key takeaways
- They may cause bad breath or a foreign-body sensation
- They are usually harmless
- Recurrent tonsillitis or deep crypts may contribute
Clinical steps
- Good oral hygiene and salt-water gargles
- Do not use sharp objects to remove them
- Seek ENT advice if recurrent or troublesome
Red flags: Severe one-sided pain, fever, restricted mouth opening or breathing difficulty needs prompt assessment.
Quick FAQ: When should I see an ENT specialist?
Severe one-sided pain, fever, restricted mouth opening or breathing difficulty needs prompt assessment.
How I assess this in clinic
I first clarify duration, severity, whether symptoms are one-sided or bilateral, and their effect on daily life. I then perform a focused ENT examination and compare the findings with they may cause bad breath or a foreign-body sensation.
Endoscopy or audiometry is not required for everyone. I advise endoscopy when the nose, sinus, throat or voice box needs direct assessment, and audiometry/tympanometry when hearing or middle-ear function is in question.
A common misconception is that every ENT problem needs an antibiotic or an operation. Treatment should instead follow the diagnosis, functional impact, examination findings and evidence-based indications.
Do not wait when: Severe one-sided pain, fever, restricted mouth opening or breathing difficulty needs prompt assessment.
For patient education; not a substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment.