Tonsils are naturally designed to capture bacteria in the mouth before it enters the body. However, this bacteria mixes with the food inside the tonsils, which then calcifies (hardens)
and creates Tonsil Stones. Tonsil stones form when pockets form in the tonsils, and drainage, food and other debris collects in the pockets. Eventually, these materials harden and calcify, sometimes causing irritation and infection.
People who have larger pockets in their tonsils are more prone to developing tonsil stones. Because tonsil stones are generally not considered a serious condition, there has not been a lot of research to record how frequently they occur.