- Content version
- 1.0
- Last scientific review
- مايو 2026
What are the salivary glands?
Glands that produce saliva to moisten the mouth, aid digestion, and protect the teeth. The largest are the parotid gland in front of the ear, the submandibular gland under the jaw, and the sublingual gland under the tongue, along with hundreds of small glands throughout the mouth.
Salivary gland stones
Small stones form inside a gland or its duct, blocking the flow of saliva. This most often occurs in the submandibular gland.
Symptoms:
- Swelling and pain in the gland when eating or seeing food
- Swelling gradually eases after eating
- An abnormal taste in the mouth
Salivary gland infection
Occurs when bacteria multiply within the gland, often with dehydration, reduced saliva flow, or duct blockage, and is more common in older adults and hospitalized patients.
Symptoms: painful swelling and redness, fever, and pus draining into the mouth.
Mumps, a viral infection, can also cause swelling of both parotid glands in unvaccinated individuals.
Salivary gland tumors
Appear as a slowly growing lump, most often in the parotid gland in front of the ear. Most parotid gland tumors are benign, but they need evaluation and often removal, as they may grow larger over time.
Signs requiring urgent evaluation: rapid growth, pain, facial muscle weakness, or enlarged neck glands.
How is it diagnosed?
- Examination of the gland and mouth
- Ultrasound, usually the first test
- Needle biopsy when a lump is present
- Contrast CT or MRI when needed
What are the treatment options?
Stones and infection
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Suck on sour candy or lemon slices to stimulate saliva flow.
- Gently massage the gland from back to front.
- Apply warm compresses.
- Antibiotics when a bacterial infection is present.
- Removing the stone through the mouth or with a fine salivary duct endoscope.
- Removing the gland if the problem recurs.
Tumors
Usually treated with surgical removal, while preserving the facial nerve, which runs through the parotid gland.
What can I do?
- Drink enough water, especially in hot weather.
- Maintain good oral and dental hygiene.
- Suck on sugar-free sour candy when feeling dry mouth.
- Review your medications with your doctor if they cause dry mouth.
- Make sure children are vaccinated against mumps.
When should I see a doctor?
- If gland swelling recurs with eating.
- If you notice a lump in the gland in front of the ear or under the jaw, even if painless.
- If dry mouth persists.
- If an infection doesn't improve within two to three days of treatment.
Go to the emergency room immediately if:
- Swelling rapidly increases with high fever
- Difficulty swallowing, breathing, or opening the mouth appears
- Swelling extends to the neck or under the tongue
- Facial muscle weakness appears
Remember
- Gland swelling with eating usually indicates stones.
- Fluids and stimulating saliva flow help significantly.
- Any lump in a salivary gland needs evaluation.
- Swelling with difficulty breathing or swallowing is a medical emergency.
This information is for health awareness and education, and does not replace a doctor's consultation or direct medical assessment.
Prepared by: Saudi Society of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery · Version 1.0 · Last reviewed: May 2026 · saudiorl.com
