In the age of viral content and social media, few things captivate the internet like bizarre bodily phenomena—and tonsil stones are the latest curiosity to capture public attention. Often overlooked, these small, white or yellowish lumps forming in the crevices of your tonsils have been thrust into the spotlight through graphic removal videos. Though not as well-known as pimple popping or earwax extraction, tonsil stones are just as oddly satisfying—and just as cringe-worthy to watch.

Tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths, are formed when debris like food particles, dead cells, and bacteria become trapped in the tonsils and harden over time. While mostly harmless, they can cause unpleasant symptoms such as bad breath, sore throats, coughing, or even ear pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, around 3 million Americans experience tonsil stones each year, although many don’t realize they have them because they often produce no symptoms.