Salivary glands make saliva in response to food in your mouth. 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 carries saliva from the gland into the mouth.
The salivary glands can sometimes get swollen. Causes can include:
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Blocked salivary duct (from stones or tumors).
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Viral infection (such as childhood mumps).
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Bacterial infections.
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Sjögren syndrome.
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Diabetes.
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Malnutrition.
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Sarcoidosis.
Certain medicines can affect salivary flow. This can lead to swollen glands. Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take.
Tests are done to find the cause of the swelling. These may include blood tests, ultrasound, CT scan, or injecting dye into the duct to look for blockage. Treatment depends on the exact cause of the swelling.
Home care
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If the area is painful, you can take over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, unless you were prescribed another medicine. If you have chronic liver or kidney disease or ever had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding, talk with your doctor before using these medicines. Wetting a cloth with warm water and putting it over the affected gland for 10 to 15 minutes at a time can also help ease pain.
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If the salivary gland is blocked, your doctor may suggest sucking on hard candy, such as lemon drops, and gently massaging the area.
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To help prevent blockages and infections:
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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 doctor for help to quit. Smoking makes salivary gland stones more likely.
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Maintain 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 doctor as advised. See your doctor for further exams and testing. If you have been referred to a specialist, make an appointment right away.
When to contact your doctor
Contact your doctor right away if:
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You have more pain or swelling in the gland.
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You can't open your mouth or have pain when opening your mouth.
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You have a fever of 100.4°F (38ºC) or higher, or as advised by your doctor.
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You see redness over the gland.
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Fluid (pus) is draining into the mouth.
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You have trouble breathing or swallowing.
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You have any new symptoms.
Prevention
Here are steps you can take to help prevent an infection:
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Keep good handwashing habits.
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Don’t have close contact with people who have sore throats, colds, or other upper respiratory infections.
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Don’t smoke and stay away from secondhand smoke.
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Stay up-to-date with all of your vaccines.
