Salivary gland stone and infection: symptoms, causes and which doctor to see

For salivary gland stone and infection you can first see: Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.

Common symptoms: a painful swelling under the jaw or in front of the ear while eating; swelling that slowly goes down after eating; a bad taste in the mouth, pus from the duct opening; with infection, redness, fever and difficulty opening the mouth. Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.

The most common causes: calcium salts in saliva settling into a stone; dehydration and medicines that cause a dry mouth; bacterial infection of the salivary gland; viral infections such as mumps. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.

Small stones may pass with plenty of fluids and massage. Stones that do not pass are removed by a small procedure inside the mouth or with salivary gland endoscopy (sialendoscopy). If it recurs often, the gland may need to be removed.

It is more common in: adults aged 30–60; people who drink little water and those with a dry mouth; people taking medicines that cause a dry mouth.

The gland and duct are examined by hand. The stone and the condition of the gland are shown by ultrasound; CT is used if needed.

Drinking enough water and good oral hygiene reduce the risk of stones and infection.

See an ENT specialist; for stones that can be removed through the mouth, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon may also assess it.

Small stones can pass with plenty of water, sour stimulants and massage. Large stones are usually removed with a procedure.

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Is there a rapidly spreading swelling in the neck, with difficulty swallowing or breathing?” “Is there a high fever and chills?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”

See a doctor: for swelling that recurs with meals; the same day if the swelling is red, painful and feverish; for a painless, hard swelling that lasts for weeks.