1. Tonsil Stones: These are small, hard particles that form in the tonsils due to the accumulation of bacteria, mucus, and food debris. They can sometimes be dislodged and appear as brown pebbles in the mouth.
2. Salivary Gland Stones: Similar to tonsil stones, salivary gland stones form in the salivary glands when saliva becomes concentrated and mineralized. They can obstruct the salivary ducts and cause pain, swelling, and the appearance of brown pebbles or gritty particles in the mouth.
3. Earwax: In some cases, earwax can accumulate and become hard, resembling brown pebbles. If the earwax is dislodged, it may be expectorated through the mouth.
4. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as certain infections (e.g., tuberculosis), respiratory diseases, or conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, can cause brown particles to appear in the mouth.
5. Medications: Some medications, such as activated charcoal, certain antibiotics, or other drugs with brown pigments, can cause temporary discoloration of the mouth and may appear as brown pebbles.
If you are concerned about the presence of brown pebbles in your mouth, it's important to consult with a doctor or dentist to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment. They may perform an examination, ask about your symptoms, and recommend further diagnostic tests if necessary, such as imaging or laboratory analysis.