Dec. 12, 2024 | On average, the human body makes between two to four pints of saliva a day. There are three main pairs of salivary glands. The parotid glands, located in each cheek in front of the ears, are the largest. Two submandibular glands are under the floor of the mouth under both sides of the jaw. Two sublingual glands are under the floor of the mouth. There are also hundreds of small salivary glands lining the rest of the mouth. These are called the minor salivary glands. These glands make saliva and empty it into the mouth through openings called ducts. Saliva makes food moist, which helps chewing and swallowing and the digestion of food. Saliva also keeps the mouth clean and healthy because it contains antibodies that kill germs. If the salivary glands are damaged or aren’t producing enough saliva, it can affect taste, make chewing and swallowing more difficult, and increase the risk for cavities, tooth loss, and infections in the mouth.

Dec. 12, 2024 | You may already know that your salivary glands play an important role in your overall health but do you know about some of the problems that can occur in these glands? Small stones that form in the gland ducts may obstruct the flow of saliva. The gland may swell and become painful and infected.  Small twists in the duct system of the large salivary glands can also decrease salivary flow. When saliva pools behind an obstruction in a duct, the gland can become infected. Infection of the lymph nodes from a sore throat or cold can also cause a secondary infection in the salivary glands. Some diseases such as HIV, can make the salivary glands inflamed and painful. Diabetes may also cause enlargement of the salivary glands. Tumors usually appear as painless enlargements in one of the salivary glands. Malignant tumors often grow quickly, may or may not be painful, and may cause loss of movement in the affected side of the face.

Dec. 12, 2024 | A problem with your salivary glands can cause them to become irritated or swollen. If you notice any of these symptoms, a bad taste in your mouth, a dry mouth, mouth pain or trouble opening your mouth, you should consult with a physician. Some cases are so obvious that they only require a review of your medical history and a physical exam. In such instances, diagnostic tests may not be necessary. Your doctor may want to see the blockage to diagnose a salivary gland obstruction. Taking a dental X-ray of the affected area can help to pinpoint the obstruction. A head and neck surgeon can then use anesthesia to numb the salivary gland opening and free any blockage. If your doctor needs to finely target the salivary glands, an MRI or CT scan can provide more in-depth images. Also, a biopsy to remove salivary gland tissue can aid in diagnosis, particularly if your doctor suspects you may have an autoimmune disorder that affects your salivary glands.

Dec. 12, 2024 | Treatment for salivary gland disorders depends on the disease type and how advanced it is. For example, if you have a mass in your salivary gland, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the mass or the gland itself. If the mass is cancerous, you may need radiation treatments to kill off cancerous cells. These treatments won’t typically start until your body has had time to heal. This is typically four to six weeks after surgery. Radiation treatments to the neck can cause dry mouth, which can be uncomfortable and affect your digestion. Your doctor may recommend drinking more fluids and avoiding foods high in sodium. If the salivary gland mass isn’t cancerous, radiation may not be required. A mass that doesn’t cause symptoms may be treated with conservative measures. This includes special mouthwashes to relieve dry mouth. You can also keep your mouth moist by rinsing with a mixture of a half teaspoon of salt in one cup of water.

Dec. 12, 2024 | Taking good care of your teeth is vital to successful salivary gland treatment. Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day can help prevent salivary gland disorders and tooth decay. It’s also a good idea to keep your mouth moist throughout the day. To do this, drink plenty of fluids morning, noon and night and take a water bottle with you wherever you go. Be sure to keep your mouth clean. This means rinsing your mouth before and after meals with plain water and brush your teeth after meals. Avoid foods that stick to the roof of the mouth like peanut butter or soft bread and always take small bites and chew your food well. You can also suck on sugarless candy or chew sugarless gum to stimulate saliva. Avoid commercial mouthwashes, alcoholic and acidic drinks, and tobacco as they can dry out your mouth, and use over the counter saliva substitutes to add moisture to your mouth.