Salivary glands make saliva. Saliva is mostly water. It also has minerals and proteins that help break down food and keep the mouth and teeth healthy. There are 3 pairs of salivary glands:
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Parotid glands. In front of the ear.
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Submandibular glands. Below the jaw.
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Sublingual glands. Below the tongue.
Each gland has a tube (duct) that lets saliva flow from the gland to the mouth. A salivary gland stone can form as a result of poor salivary flow. This lets minerals build up and create a stone. When a stone forms, it blocks saliva flow. The gland swells and becomes painful. Symptoms may be worse when eating. This is because food triggers the flow of saliva.
A blocked salivary gland may become infected. This can cause pain that gets worse, redness over the gland, and fever.
Tests that help diagnose a salivary gland stone include CT-scan, X-ray, ultrasound, or injecting dye into the salivary duct to see the stone. A stone may be removed through different procedures. Or it may be allowed to pass on its own.
Home care
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Unless another medicine was prescribed, take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help ease pain.
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Moist heat can also help ease pain. Wet a cloth with warm water and put it over the affected gland for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day.
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Gently massage the gland a few times a day.
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Suck on lemon or other tart hard candies to cause flow of saliva.
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To help prevent future stones:
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Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluid per day (such as water, tea, and clear soup) to keep well-hydrated.
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If you smoke, ask your healthcare provider for help to quit. Smoking makes salivary gland stones more likely.
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Keep good dental hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth daily. See your dentist for regular cleanings.
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Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider or as advised.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider if any of these occur:
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Pain or swelling in the gland that gets worse
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Can't open mouth or pain when opening mouth
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Fever of 100.4°F (38ºC) or higher, or as advised by your provider
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Redness over the sore gland
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Fluid (pus) draining into the mouth
Call 911
Call 911 if you have trouble swallowing or breathing.
