Are Tonsil Stones Tonsillitis?

You can get tonsil stones without having tonsillitis — in fact, many people get tonsil stones very frequently. And usually tonsil stones are harmless, but in some rare cases, they can cause tonsillitis. (3) And that's why you may notice those white spots and patches if you have tonsillitis.

Can tonsil stones cause tonsillitis?

Common signs and symptoms of tonsil stones are tonsil redness and irritation. These stones also frequently cause bad breath due to the bacteria that collect on them. In some cases, tonsil stones can lead to chronic tonsil inflammation or infection of your tonsils, called tonsillitis.

What is the difference between tonsillitis and tonsil stones?

Tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths, are a buildup of bacteria and debris within the nooks and crannies of your tonsils. This debris hardens into small, stone-like growths. This condition is different than tonsillitis, which occurs when the tonsils themselves become infected.