Think of your tonsils as two fuzzy, crater-covered sponges at the back of your throat. Their job is to catch bacteria and debris, which is heroic, but sometimes the collection gets a bit too cozy. When food particles, dead cells, and mucus harden into little calcified lumps, you get a tonsil stone.
They’re not dangerous, just annoying. Over 70% of people will experience them at some point, and you’re far from alone. Even celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Kylie Minogue have reportedly dealt with these pesky pearls.
