If you've noticed a white bump or several white bumps on the back of your throat then you have most likely immediately called the doctor or jumped onto a diagnose-yourself website.

And, more often than not, the doctor will think you have a tonsil infection or inflammation called tonsillitis. They will take a swab, start you on antibiotics and send you on your way- however there is a medical term for condition and it is called Tonsils Stones.

It's important to understand that antibiotics can only cure bacterial infections. This means that tonsillitis that is caused by the bacteria streptococcus, or strep, is the only tonsil-related problem that can be cured by a dose of pills. Any other infections or inflammations, viral or otherwise, cannot be treated with antibiotics.

This includes treating tonsils stones.

Tonsil stones or tonsilloliths are little white balls located on your tonsils. They may look like tonsilitis but they are actually not an infection at all. Instead they are caused by bacteria, debris and food gathering in your mouth and making a home in your tonsil crevices.

If you do not feel sick but have enlarged white balls on your tonsils, then it is most likely tonsilloliths. Other symptoms include bad breath, a sore or scratchy throat and a feeling that there is something caught in the back of your throat.

There are several natural ways to treat tonsils stones. Many people are able to simply cough them up by squeezing their throat. This will pop the stones out of place. However, if you are unable to do this you may be able to pick them loose. Grab a bobby pin, a toothpick, a toothbrush, a cotton swap or any other poking device and see if you can't force them loose. Just be careful not to go too deep or poke the inside of your mouth.

If you have a clean syringe you can fill it up with salt and warm water and try to flood the stones loose. Alternatively, you can gargle them loose with salt water. Eventually the stones will break off. It's up to you to dispose of the disgusting little balls and ensure they never see the light of your mouth again.

Tonsils stones are not serious and, in most cases, they are not dangerous either. However, they are annoying. This is why it's important to maintain a regular oral routine including regular brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash. You also might consider using a syringe to clean out your tonsils before the bacteria and food can even begin to build up.