Salivary Gland Disorders

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The production of saliva in the mouth is done by the salivary glands. They are found in the lining of the mouth, lips and the checks. Saliva secretes moisture in the mouth, prevents teeth decay and aids food digestion in the mouth.

Several diseases affect the salivary glands ranging from Sjogren’s syndrome to cancerous tumors.

Causes

Obstruction of the salivary gland
Bacterial infection of the salivary glands
Sjogren’s syndrome
Viral infections such as flu, mumps, cytomegalovirus
Cancer of the salivary gland
Pleomorphic adenomas

Symptoms

Painful lump under the tongue
Fever
Eating difficulty
Lump in the cheek and the chin
Foul-smelling pus
Speech difficulty
Muscular and joint pains
Swollen face
Headache
Dry mouth
Tooth decay
Mouth sores
Dry cough
Idiopathic fatigue

Diagnosis

The doctor will take the medical history and physically examined the patient before to establish if there is salivary glands disorder.

Dental X-ray may be ordered to check for any blockage causing salivary gland obstruction.

Imaging scans such as an MRI or CT scan to provide more in-depth images. Biopsy involving the removal of salivary gland tissue particularly if there is an autoimmune disorder affecting the salivary glands.

Treatment
The treatment option depends greatly on the type of the disorder and the level of the disorders. The following are the available treatment options:
Surgical procedure may be needed to remove mass and the salivary gland causing the build-up of mass.
Radiation therapy may be used in case of cancerous mass to destroy the cancerous cells.
Consuming more fluid to prevent dehydration is another useful option.
Desist from taken foods high in sodium.
Using medications particularly antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.
Regular and proper brushing and flossing of teeth twice daily may avert salivary gland disorders and tooth decay.