The internet is full of shocking and fascinating content, especially when it comes to the human body. Social media has made it easier than ever for trends to spread, and videos about bodily processes—like pimple popping, cyst draining, and earwax removal—have become wildly popular.
One lesser-known but equally viral topic is tonsil stones. Before seeing a video about them, many people, including myself, hadn’t even heard of them. Tonsil stones are hard white or yellow formations that develop in the tonsils when debris like food, bacteria, or minerals get trapped. According to the Mayo Clinic, they’re usually harmless and can often be removed at home.
Though common—affecting millions each year—tonsil stones don’t always cause symptoms. When they do, they can lead to bad breath, sore throat, coughing, or ear pain. Removal is typically simple, sometimes requiring nothing more than saltwater gargles or even a strong cough.
Videos showing their removal have gone viral, though they can be graphic. Love them or hate them, they’re another example of the internet’s endless fascination with the human body.