Small white lumps at the back of the throat, known as tonsil stones or caseum, are hardened deposits of food particles, dead cells, and bacteria trapped in tonsil pockets. They often smell foul because they contain volatile sulfur compounds. As the article puts it, brushing alone won’t help – “it’s like spraying perfume on a garbage bag.”

Causes include poor oral hygiene, deep tonsil crevices, dry mouth, and diets high in dairy or sugar. Even people with good brushing habits can develop them if debris stays lodged in the tonsils.
Natural removal methods include gargling warm saltwater or baking soda to loosen stones, staying hydrated to boost saliva flow, and maintaining thorough oral hygiene with brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping. A gentle water jet or syringe can also flush out visible stones.
Medical help is advised if stones are frequent, large, painful, or accompanied by fever or sore throat. In rare cases, tonsil removal may be an option.
Prevention involves reducing dairy if it’s a trigger, eating raw vegetables, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and skipping alcohol-based mouthwashes. With consistent care, these smelly lumps can be prevented, restoring fresh breath and a healthy mouth.