Tonsilloliths Classification

==Classification==

Tonsilloliths or tonsil stones are [[calcification]]s that form in the crypts of the palatal tonsils. They are also known to form in the throat and on the roof of the mouth. Tonsils are filled with crevices where bacteria and other materials, including dead cells and mucus, can become trapped. When this occurs, the debris can become concentrated in white formations that occur in the pockets. Thusly, the white spot on tonsil and bad breath are common.  [http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tonsil-stones-tonsilloliths-treatment-and-prevention Tonsil Stones - WebMD.com]
Tonsilloliths are formed when this trapped debris combines and hardens, or calcifies. This tends to occur most often in people who suffer from chronic inflammation in their tonsils or repeated bouts of tonsillitis. They are often associated with [[post-nasal drip]]. These [[Calculus (medicine)|calculi]] are composed of calcium salts such as [[hydroxyapatite]] or calcium carbonate apatite, [[oxalate]]s and other [[magnesium]] salts or containing ammonium radicals, macroscopically appear white or yellowish in color, and are usually of small size - though there have been occasional reports of large tonsilloliths, tonsil stones or calculi in peritonsillar locations. Many people have small tonsilloliths that develop in their tonsils, and it is quite rare to have a large and solidified tonsil stone.

===Giant===
Much rarer than the typical tonsil stones are giant tonsilloliths. Giant tonsilloliths may often be mistaken for other oral maladies, including [[peritonsillar abscess]], and tumours of the or white spot on tonsil (tonsil stones).{{cite journal | author=Padmanabhan TK, Chandra Dutt GS, Vasudevan DM, Vijayakumar