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Just when you think you’ve heard of every bizarre obsession that humankind can muster, another curve ball is thrown up. Or a tonsil stone, in this case.
The tonsils are a pair of glands found at the back of the throat designed to prevent illness by trapping viruses and bacteria. The ridges and craters in these glands therefore become filmed with debris – including food, mucus, and cells - that groups together to form white-ish, calcified blobs called tonsilloliths or tonsil stones.
It is common to have these tiny harmless but foul-smelling stones hiding in your tonsils, particularly if you have suffered from tonsillitis or take medication which dries the mouth. However, large tonsilloliths can cause bad breath and sore throats.
People who have discovered that tonsil stones can be easily prodded out at home with a cotton bud are proudly sharing photos of their excavations on the Reddit tonsil stones page, and posting videos on YouTube.
Some upload images alongside coins or on their fingers to demonstrate the apparently impressive scale of their calcified debris. One YouTube user named Tonsil Stone Man has racked up thousands of views for his series of removal videos.
“This is the largest tonsil stone I've ever removed from my mouth; it squeezed out two ends of my tonsil! I posted this video months ago, but I'm reposting a better edit,” he wrote alongside his latest video.
“My very first tonsil stone - I named him Dave,” Reddit user ZomberAmbie wrote alongside a post which was viewed over 500 times. Another wrote “Finally figured out how to get stones out. Most satisfying feeling ever.”
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“Happy Labor Day!” said Redditor UpsetUnicorn, who posted a photo of their tonsil stone alongside a coin.
Commenters who seek out or stumble upon the videos describe how they are oddly satisfying to watch.
“I have a really weird guilty pleasure,” admitted YouTube user Kristina Salonga. "Welcome to the weird part of youtube enjoy your stay,” said NGrass222.
The tonsil stone enthusiasts can find allies in spot popping obssessives, who watch videos of people squeezing spots online and challenge one another to sit through more and more disgusting footage.
While many YouTubers and Redditors are happy prodding out their tonstil stones, you should visit a doctor if you are concerned that your tonsil stones are causing you pain or are larger than normal.
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