SALIVARY GLAND INFECTIONS

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Salivary gland infections: Your body produces an impressive amount of saliva daily, up to a quart in volume. Saliva plays various vital roles in keeping your mouth healthy and aiding in digestion. It acts as a natural lubricant for your mouth, assisting in swallowing, safeguarding your teeth against harmful bacteria, and breaking down food.

The salivary glands, responsible for producing saliva, come in three main pairs:

1. The parotid glands are located on the inner sides of your cheeks.
2. Submandibular glands: Situated at the base of your mouth.
3. Sublingual glands are found beneath the tongue.

Numerous minor salivary glands scattered throughout the mouth and throat join forces with the major glands to produce saliva. This saliva travels into the mouth through tiny tubes called ducts.

Problems with the salivary glands or ducts can lead to various symptoms, including swelling of the salivary glands, dry mouth, discomfort, fever, and unpleasant-tasting discharge into the mouth.

Causes of salivary gland infections

Salivary gland issues can stem from various factors that disrupt gland function or obstruct ducts, impeding saliva drainage. Let’s explore some common problems that can affect the salivary glands:

1. Salivary Stones (Sialoliths): These are crystallized deposits of saliva, often causing swollen glands. Salivary stones can obstruct saliva flow through the ducts, leading to pain and swelling. Without clearance, the gland may become infected.
2. Salivary Gland Infection (Sialadenitis): Bacterial infections, typically affecting the parotid gland, can occur when ducts are blocked. This results in a painful lump in the gland, accompanied by foul-tasting pus drainage.
3. Infections: Viral infections like mumps and flu can cause gland swelling, notably in the parotid glands, resulting in “chipmunk cheeks.” Other viruses, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV), can also lead to gland swelling.
4. Cysts: These can form in the glands due to various reasons like injuries, infections, or blockages. Some babies may be born with parotid gland cysts due to developmental issues. Cysts can interfere with eating and speaking.
5. Tumors: Several tumor types, benign or malignant, can affect salivary glands. Common benign tumors include pleomorphic adenomas and Warthin’s tumor, while malignant ones include mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma.
6. Sjögren’s Syndrome: This autoimmune condition involves the immune system attacking moisture-producing glands, leading to dry mouth and eyes. Enlargement of salivary glands is common in about half of Sjögren’s syndrome cases.

These various conditions highlight the complexity of salivary gland issues, which can range from benign obstructions to more severe infections or autoimmune disorders.

Treatment for salivary gland infections

Treatment for salivary gland issues varies based on the underlying cause.

1. Stones and Duct Blockages: Initially, treatments may include manual removal of stones, warm compresses, or sour candies to stimulate saliva flow. If these methods prove ineffective, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the blockage or affected gland.
2. Tumors: Both benign and malignant tumors typically require surgical removal. Some benign tumors might also be treated with radiation therapy to prevent recurrence, while cancerous tumors may necessitate additional treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. Large cysts may also require surgical removal.
3. Infections: Bacterial infections are typically treated with antibiotics to clear the infection. Additionally, medications may be prescribed to manage the symptoms of dry mouth.

These treatment approaches aim to address the underlying cause of salivary gland problems and alleviate associated symptoms. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the nature and severity of the condition.

Sources

• The University of Dental Branch at Houston: “DENF 4801 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery IV Advanced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Monograph.”
• University of California, San Francisco, Department of Medicine: “Parotitis.”
• Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation: “What is Sjögren’s Syndrome?
• Medical University of South Carolina: “Sialendoscopy: A Minimally-Invasive Option for Salivary Gland Stones and Blockage.”
• Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: “Salivary Gland Disease and Tumors.”