Plaque on the tonsils

Plaque on the tonsils is a white or yellowish coating that appears on the back of the throat and tonsils. It is usually accompanied by a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. It can develop slowly over time, or it may appear suddenly. It is caused by a buildup of bacteria and debris, which can be the result of a viral or bacterial infection. The plaque can be dry or moist and may have a foul odor. It may also cause difficulty swallowing and bad breath.