Healthy salivary glands — the glands in your mouth that produce saliva — protect your teeth against decay. They also make it possible for you to chew, swallow, and digest food.
Sometimes the salivary glands can become infected with bacteria or a virus. This condition is known as sialadenitis.
Infected salivary glands can cause a wide range of symptoms. These include:
See your dentist or doctor if you think you may have a salivary gland infection.
If a salivary gland becomes infected, in some cases no treatment is needed.
Treatment from your health care provider may include:
Self-care steps you can take at home include:
To prevent future problems, keep up your good oral hygiene habits and see your dentist twice a year.
“Dry Mouth.” National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, October 2012. www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/DryMouth/DryMouth.htm. Accessed 2013.
“Salivary Gland Infections.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. February 28, 2011. www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001041.htm. Accessed 2013.