Salivary Gland Disorders: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Saliva plays a much bigger role in your oral health than most people realise. It helps you chew and swallow food comfortably, supports digestion, protects teeth from decay, and keeps harmful bacteria under control. When the salivary glands are not working properly, even simple daily activities like eating and speaking can become uncomfortable.

Salivary gland disorders range from mild blockages to infections and, in rare cases, tumours. Some conditions are temporary and easy to treat, while others require closer monitoring and professional care.

In this article, we explain how salivary glands function, the most common salivary gland disorders, their symptoms, and the available treatment options.

What Do Salivary Glands Do?

Salivary glands are responsible for producing saliva and releasing it into the mouth through small ducts. There are three major pairs of salivary glands:

• Parotid glands – located in front of and just below each ear

• Submandibular glands – found beneath the jaw

• Sublingual glands – located under the tongue

In addition, hundreds of smaller salivary glands are spread throughout the mouth and throat.

Saliva helps to:

• Moisten food for easier chewing and swallowing

• Begin the digestion process

• Neutralise acids that damage tooth enamel

• Wash away bacteria and food debris

When saliva production is reduced or blocked, it can affect taste, increase the risk of cavities and infections, and cause discomfort in the mouth.

Common Salivary Gland Problems

Salivary gland disorders can develop for a variety of reasons, ranging from temporary blockages to infections and more complex medical conditions. Some issues cause mild discomfort and resolve with simple treatment, while others may require prompt dental or medical care.

Understanding the most common salivary gland problems can help you recognise early symptoms and seek appropriate dental treatment before complications arise.

Sialadenitis (Salivary Gland Infection)

Sialadenitis is an infection of a salivary gland, most commonly affecting the parotid gland. It often occurs when saliva flow is reduced or blocked, allowing bacteria to grow. Sialadenitis most commonly affects older adults, particularly those with salivary stones, but it can also occur in newborns during the first weeks of life.

Common causes include:

• Dehydration

• Poor oral hygiene

• Salivary gland stones

• Medical conditions causing dry mouth

Symptoms may include pain, swelling of the face or neck, dry mouth, fever, and a foul taste in the mouth. If left untreated, sialadenitis can lead to abscess formation and more serious infection.

Treatment depends on severity and may involve antibiotics, drainage of an abscess, and supportive care.

Helpful home measures may include:

• Staying well hydrated (drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water daily)

• Massaging the affected gland

• Applying warm compresses to the hurt glands

• Sucking on sugar-free sour lollies to stimulate saliva

• Rinsing with warm salt water

Salivary Gland Stones (Sialolithiasis)

Salivary gland stones, also known as sialolithiasis, are hardened mineral deposits that develop inside a salivary gland or its duct. They most commonly affect the submandibular glands, which sit beneath the jaw, because saliva in this area tends to be thicker and richer in calcium.

When a stone forms, it can partially or completely block the flow of saliva into the mouth. This blockage may go unnoticed at first, but symptoms often appear as the stone increases in size or interferes more significantly with saliva drainage.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing salivary stones, including:

• Dehydration, which reduces saliva flow

• Thickened or slow-moving saliva

• Certain medications, such as antihistamines, blood pressure medications, and some psychiatric drugs

• Reduced saliva production due to medical conditions or ageing

Small stones may not cause any discomfort and are sometimes discovered incidentally during a dental examination or imaging. Larger stones, however, can cause noticeable symptoms such as swelling of the affected gland, pain or pressure that worsens during meals, dry mouth, and, in some cases, infection and inflammation.

Treatment depends on the size, location, and severity of symptoms. Smaller stones may pass with increased saliva flow from sour foods, good hydration, and gentle duct massage. If this is not effective, removal through a minor procedure may be required. Antibiotics are prescribed if infection is present, and surgery is rarely needed in severe or recurrent cases.

Salivary Gland Tumours and Cancer

Salivary gland tumours typically present as painless lumps in the face, neck, or inside the mouth. The majority of these growths are benign and slow growing, but a smaller number can be malignant and require prompt treatment.

Excessive Saliva (Hypersalivation)

Hypersalivation refers to the overproduction of saliva and may be temporary or long-term, depending on the cause. In many cases, it is the body’s response to irritation or infection in the mouth.

Temporary causes may include:

• Dental infections or gum disease

• Acid reflux

• Certain medications

• Pregnancy

• Tooth decay or oral irritation

Chronic hypersalivation is more commonly associated with neurological or muscular conditions that interfere with normal swallowing, such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or cerebral palsy. In these cases, saliva production may be normal, but clearance is reduced.

Management depends on severity and cause, and may involve:

• Improved oral hygiene and more frequent brushing

• Medications to help reduce saliva production

• Botox injections to limit salivary gland activity

• Surgical or radiation treatment in severe or persistent cases

Certain medications can help reduce excessive saliva production by limiting nerve signals to the salivary glands. One commonly prescribed option is glycopyrrolate (Cuvposa), which decreases saliva flow but may cause side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, difficulty urinating, blurred vision, or changes in mood. Another option is scopolamine (hyoscine), delivered as a skin patch worn behind the ear. It works in a similar way but can cause dizziness, drowsiness, a rapid heartbeat, or blurred vision.

If hypersalivation is persistent or severe, more advanced treatments may be considered. Botox injections can temporarily reduce saliva production by relaxing the nerves that stimulate the glands, with effects lasting a few months. In rare and complex cases, surgery to reposition or remove affected glands, or targeted radiation therapy, may be recommended to achieve long-term control.

Salivary Gland Care at MGA Dental

Any ongoing swelling, pain, dry mouth, excessive saliva, or changes in saliva flow should be assessed by a dental professional. Early diagnosis allows for simpler treatment and helps prevent complications.

At MGA Dental, our experienced team provides thorough assessment and personalised care for salivary gland disorders at our Brisbane and Gold Coast clinics. Whether you are experiencing pain, swelling, dry mouth, or changes in saliva production, we focus on identifying the cause and recommending the most appropriate treatment.

If you are concerned about symptoms affecting your salivary glands, contact MGA Dental to book a consultation. Early care can make a significant difference to your comfort, oral health, and overall wellbeing.