Salivary Gland Stones
Skip ToContent

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

Main Content

Salivary Gland Stones

A woman plugging her nose

Salivary gland stones, which are also called sialolithiasis, occur when someone has too much calcium in the body, suffers from a bacterial staph infection, or becomes chronically dehydrated. These all cause the salivary glands and ducts to become swollen, blocking the flow of saliva.

Because saliva is such an important part of helping your mouth naturally wash away harmful bacteria and acid, having healthy salivary glands is part of having good oral health.

Symptoms of Salivary Gland Stones

When salivary ducts become blocked by salivary stones, the saliva has nowhere to go. This will inevitably cause pain, swelling, or even a fever. Other symptoms of salivary stones include:

  • Visible stones or lumps in the salivary glands underneath the tongue
  • Difficulty or pain when opening and closing the mouth
  • Chronic bad breath caused by dry mouth or infection in the glands
  • Saliva that tastes bitter or has a gritty texture

Preventing Salivary Gland Stones

The best way to prevent developing stones in the salivary glands is to make sure to maintain a sufficient flow of saliva. This means making sure to stay hydrated and practicing good oral hygiene. This includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting Severance Dental every six months for a dental cleaning and a checkup.

Posted on May 25, 2020
Image Credit: © Dreamstime.com

Share:

Archives

How a Smile Makeover Can Change Your Life
Mar 27, 2023, 10:28 PM
Your beautiful smile is one of the first things individuals notice about you. As it’s a reflection of your personality and…
What Are Panoramic Dental X-Rays?
Mar 13, 2023, 10:50 PM
Panoramic dental x-rays are dental imaging that captures a broad view of the teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures in a…
Things You Need to Know About Your Tongue
Feb 27, 2023, 11:14 AM
Your tongue makes one of the most critical parts of your oral cavity and serves several integral purposes. Yet, it’s common…
Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist
Feb 13, 2023, 10:02 PM
Many times, there are questions in your mind that you would like your dentist to answer. However, not many people are…
The Benefits of a Local Dentist vs. Corporate Group
Jan 23, 2023, 8:06 AM
Whether you should opt for a local dentist or a corporate group is one of the biggest debates of our times. Keep reading to…