Everything you need to know about tonsil stones, the weird growths that look like pimples in your throat

Medical videos that some may find unappealing have gained significant popularity on YouTube recently. Content featuring pimple popping, cyst drainage, earwax extraction, back cracking, and foot callus removal has attracted millions of viewers eager to watch these procedures.

The extraction of tonsil stones—small, pebble-like formations that can be dislodged from the tonsils—falls into this category. It resembles pimple popping, albeit occurring in the throat, and many find the visual experience quite satisfying.

To provide some context for those unfamiliar: tonsils are integral components of the immune system, as noted by the Mayo Clinic. They produce white blood cells and antibodies, playing a crucial role in combating infections. However, they also contain deep cavities known as tonsillar crypts, which can trap food particles or mucus in some individuals.