Tonsillolith Symptoms, Causes & More
Article Sources
- 1. Krespi, Yosef P., and Victor Kizhner. 'Laser Tonsil Cryptolysis: In-Office 500 Cases Review.’ American Journal of Otolaryngology, W.B. Saunders, 10 Apr. 2013, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0196070913000690#
- 2. C. Chang; R. Thrasher. 'Coblation Cryptolysis to Treat Tonsil Stones: a Retrospective Case Series.’ Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22711390/
- 3. Alfayez, Abdulrhman, et al. 'A Giant Tonsillolith.’ Saudi Medical Journal, Saudi Medical Journal, Apr. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5938656/
Are Tonsilloliths Contagious?
Tonsilloliths aren't contagious. They form because of biofilm, which is a combination of bacteria native to the mouth and external fungi that interact with the oral microbiome. The mixture adheres to moist surfaces.
Tonsilloliths develop when this material hardens and lodges within crevices and crypts in the tonsils. Plaque is another form of biofilm in the mouth. Dental health problems such as cavities may also result from the biofilm. Brushing the teeth regularly, flossing and having regular dental cleanings may help manage these issues.
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