Five Conditions for Salivary Gland Disruptors

The salivary glands function to produce saliva. This gland has an important role, namely to lubricate the mouth so as not to dry, help swallow, protect teeth from bacteria, and also help digestion of food. Because of its important role, the health of the salivary glands must be maintained to avoid various disorders. The main salivary glands consist of three pairs, namely the parotid gland (between the base of the jaw and the ear), sublingual (at the bottom of the mouth and under the tongue), and submandibular (under the curve of the jaw). In addition to the three main pairs of salivary glands, there are also small salivary glands that are spread on the lips, inner lining of the cheeks, nose, sinus cavities, and throat. These minor glands are so small that they can only be seen with a microscope. Many problems can interfere with the function of the salivary glands and obstruct the salivary ducts so that saliva cannot flow into the oral cavity. In fact, saliva has an important role as explained above.

Disorders of the Salivary Glands

When salivary ducts or glands are problematic, signs of dry mouth, fever, pain, swollen salivary glands, and saliva may feel uncomfortable. Some salivary gland disorders that can occur include:

• Viral and bacterial infections

Viral infections such as mumps, flu, Epstein-Barr (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), coxsackievirus, and HIV can cause swelling of the salivary glands. Symptoms of a viral infection of the salivary glands include fever, muscle aches, joint pain, swollen cheeks, and headaches. However, the infection that most often attacks the parotid gland is a bacterial infection. Symptoms include fever, pain, and swelling on one side of the cheek.

• Stones in the salivary glands (sialoliths)

This is a common cause of salivary glands to swell. Because saliva continues to flow from the salivary glands into the mouth, sometimes substances contained in saliva (such as calcium) can be crystallized, forming small stones measuring 1 mm to several centimeters. This salivary gland can block the flow of saliva to the mouth, then make the salivary glands swollen and painful. Stones that have completely blocked will cause sharp and sudden pain after eating. Blockages in the salivary gland ducts also have the potential to cause infection.

• Salivary gland infection (sialadenitis)

If the flow of saliva into the mouth is obstructed, bacterial infections can occur in the salivary glands that are local. This infection makes the glands swell, cause lumps in the overlying skin layer, and put out foul-smelling pus into the oral cavity. In addition, there is fever, extreme pain in the salivary glands, and eventually an abscess will form. Sialadenitis is more common in adults who have stones in the salivary glands, but it is also possible for babies to experience the first few weeks of birth.

• Sjögren's Syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks glands that secrete fluids, such as salivary glands and tears. About half of people with Sjögren's syndrome also experience enlarged salivary glands on both sides of the mouth. However, this swelling is usually painless. If it attacks the salivary glands, Sjögren's syndrome will cause dry mouth, gum disease, tooth decay, difficulty chewing and swallowing, dry coughing, hoarseness, fungal infections in the mouth, and difficulty speaking.

• Cyst

Cysts can form in the salivary glands if there are wounds, infections, tumors, or stones that block the flow of saliva. However, there are also people who are born with cysts in the parotid gland. This is due to impaired ear development. Salivary cysts can cause difficulty eating, talking, and swallowing, and yellow mucus that flows out of the salivary glands if the cyst ruptures.

Salivary gland health can be maintained by regularly caring for oral health. Therefore, prevent salivary gland disorders by brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Do not forget, also use dental floss to clean leftover food between your teeth.