Symptoms:

• Abnormal tastes, foul tastes
• Decreased ability to open the mouth
• Discomfort when opening the mouth
• Dry mouth
• Pain in the face or mouth pain
• Swelling in front of the ears
• Swelling of the face or neck

Signs and tests:

Tests vary depending on the condition thought to be causing the problem.

• Images of the glands can be seen using ultrasound, MRI scan, and CT scans of the glands.
• The ducts of the mouth can be investigated using an x-ray called a sialogram.
• A salivary gland biopsy can be used to diagnose problems with the salivary glands.

Treatment:

Drinking a lot of water, using sugar-free lemon drops to increase the flow of saliva, and massaging the gland with heat may help with infections and stones.

Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections.

Stones may be removed using endoscopes, lithotripsy, or surgery.

Other treatments depend on the specific disorder.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most salivary gland disorders respond well to treatment.

Complications:

Complications depend on the specific disorder.

Calling your health care provider:

ALWAYS call your health care provider if you have symptoms of a salivary gland disorder.

Prevention:

Most of the problems with salivary glands cannot be prevented. Drinking enough fluids, using things that increase salivation (for example, sour candy), and massaging the gland can increase the flow of saliva and help prevent infection.