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.