If you’ve ever coughed, sneezed, or even laughed a little too hard and suddenly felt a strange object dislodge from the back of your throat, you’re not alone — and you’re not imagining things. That odd, small, white or yellow lump that smells terrible and feels gritty? It’s most likely a tonsil stone, also known medically as a tonsillolith.

Let’s break down exactly what these bizarre little formations are, why they happen, and what you can do about them — especially if you’re one of the many people who experience them more often than they’d like to admit.

What Are Tonsil Stones?
Tonsil stones are small, hardened deposits that form in the crevices (called crypts) of your tonsils — the two small masses of lymphatic tissue located at the back of your throat. These crypts are perfectly normal, but for some people, they act like little trap doors for debris.