Tonsil Stones

Okay this is random for this app and it’s kinda gross, but does anyone have or has had tonsil stones?! I recently discovered I do and just was using a q tip behind the tonsil “flap” or whatever on the side that’s always been huge and there were SO MANY tonsil stones back there. It took an hour, 10 q tips, and a water pik to get them out and I’m not even sure if I got it all because it’s all hidden. Does anyone know how to get rid of them and avoid getting them again?! My gag reflex is awful so this is miserable. 😂 I brush my teeth religiously, so that’s not the issue. I’m not like a gross person.