Salivary Stone - Symptom, Treatment and cause of Salivary Stone

Salivary Stone Description

Uncommon formation of a stone in a saliva producing gland in the mouth. Under the tongue and in the side of the jaw there are six salivary glands, three on each side (the parotid glands at the angle of the jaw, submandibular glands under the side of the jaw, and submental glands under the chin). A small tube leads from each gland to open into the mouth under the tongue or at the back corner of the mouth. They produce saliva to keep the mouth moist and to start the digestion of food.

Salivary Stone Cause

If a salivary gland becomes infected or injured, or the saliva becomes too concentrated, a stone may form in the gland.

Salivary Stone Symptom

Salivation at the sight, smell or taste of food causes excruciating pain as the pressure of saliva behind the stone moves it in the delicate duct.

Investigation

Special X-ray of the salivary gland after a passing a fine tube into its duct through the opening into the mouth.

Salivary Stone Treatment

Medication to temporarily dry up the saliva and ease the pain, followed by surgery to remove the stone.

Complications

Sialitis and abscess formation in the gland.

Prognosis of Salivary Stone

Responds well to treatment.