A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

SALIVARY CALCULI

What are Salivary Calculi ?

The salivary glands are situated on both sides of the face and neck. They produce the saliva which empties into the mouth through small duct openings. There are two groups of salivary glands; the parotid and the submandibular glands. The parotid gland lies below the ear and its duct opens onto the cheek near the upper molar teeth. The submandibular gland lies below the jaw bone and its duct opens into the mouth just below the tongue. If you develop a stone or a blockage of these ducts, there may be a painful swelling of the affected gland at mealtimes when saliva is normally produced. The symptoms are produced by the build-up of saliva in the blocked duct. If there is infection as well, there may be mild or recurring inflammation. This may cause a temperature and enlargement of surrounding lymph glands. It may even develop into an abscess.

How do Salivary Calculi occur ?

Salivary calculi occur 40 times more frequently in the submandibular gland than in the parotid gland. The different content of the chemicals in the saliva from each gland and the uphill drainage of the submandibular duct is thought to be responsible for this difference. Stones contain a high proportion of calcium and are therefore nearly always visible on an ordinary x-ray.

Why do Salivary Calculi occur ?

The causeof salivary gland stones is uncertain, but it is possibly due to a combination of infection and obstruction of the glands and ducts. This may in turn be the result of poor oral hygiene.There is usually no disturbance of calcium in the blood.

Treatment involved for Salivary Calculi

Sometimes these stones will expel themselves from the duct. However, the majority of stones will need to be removed and this is done under general anaesthesia by slitting open the duct wall and removing the stone. However, if there are many stones in the submandibular gland, or if you experience recurrent attacks of inflammation and swelling, then the gland is often removed entirely. This will cause no problems, as there is a normally functioning gland on the other side of the mouth.

After treatment for Salivary Calculi

If the stone is removed surgically, then it is important that you practise good dental hygiene. This will help to reduce the risk of further trouble. Regular brushing of teeth and rinsing the mouth carefully after each meal must become a routine. Mouthwashes are always encouraged. It is also useful to suck a lemon or acid sweet.This stimulates the flow of saliva from the gland and keeps the duct clean.

If Salivary Calculi are Left Untreated

If the stones are not removed, then recurrent attacks of infection would be almost inevitable. These will eventually lead to an abscess developing in the gland.