We have tonsils in the back of our throat -- one on each side. Their job is not entirely clear. They grow when we are kids and shrink when we are adults.

When some tonsils shrink, they form pockets in them called crypts. Food, debris and bacteria can gather in the pockets to form firm -- usually white -- clumps. These can come out on their own or be picked out of the pockets.

Occasionally these clumps can harden (calcify) and form tonsilloliths. They can occur on one side or both. They can cause bad breath (halitosis), occasional throat discomfort, ear pain or even trouble swallowing if they are large enough.

When they occur, they need to be removed. This is usually done in the operating room. Depending upon the size of the pocket left, tonsillectomy may be necessary to prevent stones from coming back.

Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the. This is done more commonly in children but sometimes adults need to have their tonsils removed, too. Surgery is usually done using general anesthesia. The patient does not have to stay overnight. After the surgery, the patient is observed for four to six hours before going home.