Also known as tonsil stones, these hard off-white balls are a combination of sulfur-producing bacteria, dead skin cells, and food particles. They accumulate in tonsil 'crypts' until they are dislodged. In extreme cases, chronic sufferers will go to the lengths of having their tonsils removed to rid themselves of this problem. They are not dangerous, although they can contribute to halitosis, and their frequency usually peaks in the teen years.
Susie's coughing fit ended with a tonsillolith dislodging and flying across the room.
