Salivary glands are located in the mouth. There are three pairs of large salivary glands. Parotid glands are found in front of and just below each ear. Submandibular glands are below the jaw. Sublingual glands are under the tongue. There are also hundreds of smaller glands. These glands make saliva (spit) 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.
Causes
Obstruction
Infection
Tumors
Diseases such as HIV-AIDS, and autoimmune disorders such as Sjögren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis, can make the salivary glands inflamed and painful. Diabetes may also cause enlargement of the salivary glands. Alcoholics may have salivary gland swelling, usually on both sides.
Symptoms
Problems with salivary glands can cause them to become irritated and swollen. You may have symptoms such as:
- a bad taste in your mouth
- difficulty opening your mouth
- dry mouth
- pain in your face or mouth
- swelling of your face or neck or under your tongue
Diagnosis
A doctor uses your medical history, a physical examination, and laboratory tests to make a diagnosis of a salivary disorder.
If your doctor suspects your pain and inflammation are the result of an obstruction in one of the glands, he or she may order X-rays or ultrasound to identify where the obstruction is and what might be causing it.
If a mass is found in the salivary gland, your doctor will suggest a CT scan or an MRI to get a better look at the problem. Your doctor might also use a fine needle aspiration biopsy to explore further. A lip biopsy of minor salivary glands may be needed to identify certain autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome.
Treatment
Salivary disorders are treated according to what is causing them, using medical or surgical treatments.
