UNDERSTANDING SALIVARY GLAND CARE FOR A HEALTHIER LIFE
Many people have questions about “salivary glands”, essential structures for oral and digestive health, which often only receive attention when problems arise. Understanding their role and the challenges that can affect them is fundamental to maintaining overall well-being. In this article, Dr. Miguel Lopes Oliveira, a specialist in maxillofacial surgery, will guide you through the crucial functions of these glands and the most common problems, offering insights based on his extensive clinical experience and expert knowledge.
📘 View article summary
- Salivary glands produce saliva essential for digestion and oral health.
- Saliva lubricates, protects teeth, and aids in immune defence.
- Problems with salivary glands can affect chewing, swallowing, and overall well-being.
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What Are Salivary Glands and What Do They Do?
Salivary glands are exocrine organs responsible for the production and secretion of saliva. Although often underestimated, these glands play a vital role in various bodily functions. There are three pairs of major salivary glands: the parotid glands (located in front of the ears), the submandibular glands (under the jaw), and the sublingual glands (under the tongue). In addition to these, there are hundreds of minor salivary glands distributed throughout the mouth and throat.
Saliva, in turn, is much more than just water. It is a complex fluid containing digestive enzymes (such as amylase, which begins carbohydrate digestion), electrolytes, proteins, antibodies, and antimicrobial substances. The functions of salivary glands and saliva are multiple and crucial: they aid in chewing and swallowing food, protect teeth against cavities, neutralise acids, lubricate the mouth and throat, and importantly, contribute to immune defence. Saliva analysis helps in understanding infections and the body’s defences [2], highlighting its importance for general health.
Symptoms and Common Problems of Salivary Glands
Various conditions can affect the functioning of salivary glands, resulting in symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to intense pain and more serious complications. One of the most frequent problems is xerostomia, or dry mouth, which occurs when the glands do not produce enough saliva. This condition can be caused by medications, autoimmune diseases (such as Sjögren’s Syndrome), radiation therapy to the head and neck region, or dehydration. Persistent dry mouth can lead to difficulties with speech and swallowing, and an increased risk of cavities and oral infections.
Other problems include sialadenitis, an inflammation of the salivary glands that can be caused by bacterial or viral infections (such as mumps, or epidemic parotitis). Salivary stones, or sialolithiasis, are small stones that form in the ducts of the glands, blocking saliva flow and causing pain and swelling, especially during meals. Tumours, whether benign or malignant, can also develop in the salivary glands, manifesting as painless swellings that require immediate medical evaluation. When patients search for information about “salivary glands,” they often seek to understand the origin of these symptoms and the available treatment options.
How Are Salivary Gland Conditions Assessed and Diagnosed?
The assessment of salivary gland-related problems begins with a detailed consultation, where Dr. Miguel Lopes Oliveira will take your medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. During the examination, the doctor will palpate the glands to check for swelling, tenderness, or masses. Observation of the oral cavity is also crucial to assess the quantity and quality of saliva.
For an accurate diagnosis, further investigations may be necessary. These include imaging tests, such as ultrasounds, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which provide detailed images of the glands and surrounding tissues, helping to identify stones, tumours, or inflammation. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed, where a small tissue sample is removed for laboratory analysis, essential for determining the nature of a suspicious mass. The study uses chemical analysis to help diagnose diseases [3], which can be particularly useful in conditions like Sjögren’s Syndrome, where salivary glands are affected.
Treatment Options for Salivary Gland Conditions
Treatment for conditions affecting the salivary glands varies widely depending on the specific diagnosis and the severity of the problem. For cases of dry mouth, strategies may include the use of artificial saliva, saliva stimulants, and lifestyle modifications, such as increasing water intake and avoiding dehydrating substances. In situations of bacterial sialadenitis, antibiotics are often prescribed, while viral sialadenitis generally improves with rest and pain relief.
For salivary stones, conservative approaches may include gland massage, hydration, and sometimes manual removal of the stone. If these measures are ineffective, surgical intervention may be required to remove the stone or, in more complex cases, the entire gland. Regarding salivary gland tumours, the primary treatment is surgical removal, which may be followed by radiotherapy in cases of malignant tumours. Dr. Miguel Lopes Oliveira’s experience as a maxillofacial surgeon is crucial in these procedures, ensuring the necessary precision and safety. It is important to note that natural treatments can reduce inflammation and protect against dry mouth [1], which may be considered as part of a complementary approach, always under medical guidance.
Prevention and Ongoing Care
Maintaining the health of salivary glands is an often-overlooked aspect of oral and general health. Prevention of problems involves good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, and adequate hydration. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps salivary glands function correctly and produce sufficient saliva. Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption also contributes to the health of these glands.
Regular visits to the dentist and doctor are essential for early detection of any changes or symptoms. If you experience persistent swelling, pain, chronic dry mouth, or any other concerns related to your salivary glands, do not hesitate to seek professional advice. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and ensure the best outcomes. The issue of “salivary glands” and their health deserves your continuous attention.
The Next Step for Your Health
Salivary glands are vital components of our digestive and immune systems, and their health directly reflects our overall well-being. Understanding their functions and potential problems is the first step towards a preventive and informed approach. Dr. Miguel Lopes Oliveira, with his specialisation in maxillofacial surgery, is equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting these important structures.
If you have questions, symptoms, or simply wish for a specialist assessment of your salivary glands, consult a qualified professional. Your oral and general health will benefit from the attention given to these essential glands.
Each case is unique and must be assessed in person by a medical doctor, considering examinations, history, and individual expectations.
📚 View references
- Maidong Dishao Decoction can inhibit the activation of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway of Sjögren’s syndrome by reducing oxidative stress in salivary gland epithelial cells.
- Salivary Proteome Role in Infection and Immunity.
- Application of metabolomics and MCDM approach in developing a novel strategy for disease diagnosis: A case study in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome.