The problem may not necessarily originate from the teeth.
The tonsils can sometimes be another source.
A person may also notice an unusual taste in the mouth or occasionally cough up tiny white particles with an unpleasant smell.
That does not automatically mean the person has an infection.
Tonsil stones and tonsillitis are different conditions, although they can sometimes occur in the same person.
Are Tonsil Stones Dangerous?
In most cases, tonsil stones are harmless.
They are generally considered a nuisance rather than a serious medical condition.
Small stones may remain unnoticed, while others may eventually dislodge without treatment.
Some people never experience symptoms beyond occasionally seeing a small white spot on a tonsil.
However, larger stones can become more bothersome.
They may cause persistent throat irritation, difficulty swallowing, a sensation of fullness, bad breath, or discomfort.
Repeated or unusually large tonsil stones may also indicate that the tonsillar crypts are particularly deep or that the tonsils have undergone repeated inflammation.
That does not necessarily mean anything dangerous is happening.
Nevertheless, persistent symptoms deserve attention, especially if they are accompanied by other signs of illness.