This invention relates to oral debris extractors and devices for the removal of oral debris from an oral cavity of humans or mammals. Oral debris extractors include tonsil stone extractors for removal of tonsilloliths and tonsil stones in an oral cavity as well as extractors for removal of other types of oral debris present in an oral cavity. The invention relates to uses of oral debris extractor devices to remove all types of oral debris from the oral cavity of humans or mammals as well as for use to explore and assess the presence of oral debris and tonsil stones in the oral cavity and in the tissues of the oral cavity. Methods of using an oral debris extractor device to explore the oral cavity and to remove oral debris are also described. The oral debris extractor is hand-held and does not require any external power source or battery to be operated. A curved shaft provides ergonomic and other advantages. The oral debris extractor can be manufactured using recyclable materials. In some embodiments the device is suitable for disposable after a single use.