MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Salivary gland disorders

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Salivary gland disorders

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Head and neck glands

Definition Return to top

Swelling or pain in the saliva glands around the mouth.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

The salivary glands are around the mouth. They produce saliva (spit), which moistens food to aid chewing and swallowing. Saliva contains enzymes that begin the digestion process. Saliva also cleans the mouth by washing away bacteria and food particles. Saliva keeps the mouth moist and helps to keep dentures or orthodontic appliances (such as retainers) in place.

There are three pairs of salivary glands:

The two largest are the parotid glands, one in each cheek in front of the ears.
Two submandibular glands are at the back of the mouth on both sides of the jaw.
Two sublingual glands are under the floor of the mouth.

All of the salivary glands empty saliva into the mouth through ducts that open at various locations in the mouth.

The salivary glands may become inflamed (irritated) because of infection, tumors, or stones.

Related topics:

Symptoms Return to top

Swelling of the face or neck
Swelling in front of the ears
Pain in the face or mouth pain
Abnormal tastes, foul tastes
Decreased ability to open the mouth
Discomfort when opening the mouth
Dry mouth

Signs and tests Return to top

Tests vary depending on the suspected disorder.

Treatment Return to top

The treatment varies depending on the specific disorder.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Most salivary gland disorders respond well to treatment. See the specific disorders.

Complications Return to top

See the specific disorders.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

ALWAYS call your health care provider if symptoms indicate that one of the salivary gland disorders may be present.

Prevention Return to top

Most of the problems with salivary glands are not preventable.

Update Date: 5/6/2003

Updated by: Jason Newman, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Washington, DC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.