Salivary Gland Stones

Salivary gland stones are hardened mineral deposits that develop in your salivary glands. The condition is also known as salivary stones or sialolithiasis. Your salivary glands make saliva. If you have a salivary stone, the stone traps saliva in your gland to cause swelling and pain.

Sialolithiasis can affect any salivary gland. But nearly all cases of salivary stones affect your submandibular gland. This gland is below your jaw, at the very back of your mouth.

Symptoms of sialolithiasis

Some salivary stones are tiny — about the size of a sharp pencil point. They may not cause symptoms. But a large (pea-size) stone can cause sudden, intense pain when you eat. Other symptoms include:

• Bitter taste in your mouth
• Trouble opening your mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain or swelling under your jaw or around your ear
• Painful lump under your tongue

Salivary stone causes

Anyone can get a salivary stone. But the condition is most common in males ages 30 to 60. Several things may cause the condition, including:

• Having an autoimmune disease, like lupus or Sjögren’s syndrome
• Dehydration
• Using water pills
• Smoking
• Receiving radiation therapy for issues with your mouth

Some people develop salivary gland stones even when there isn’t a clear cause.

Complications

Your salivary gland may become infected if saliva builds up behind a salivary stone.

How doctors diagnose sialolithiasis

A healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and your medical history. They’ll check for lumps in your jaw and neck. They may do tests, including:

• CT scan
• MRI
• X-ray
• Salivary gland scan

How are salivary gland stones treated?

Treatment involves removing the stone. Your provider may recommend that you try self-care first. For example:

• Place warm compresses where your face hurts. The compresses may help the stone move. They also help with pain and swelling.
• Massage the part of your face or mouth where you have a stone.
• Suck on a lemon wedge or tart hard candies. The sour taste may trigger your gland to make enough saliva to push the stone from your gland.

If home care doesn’t work, your provider may push on your gland with a special tool. The pressure may loosen the stone so it moves out of your gland.

Sometimes, surgery is the only way to treat a large salivary gland stone. Your provider may do endoscopic surgery or open surgery:

• Sialendoscopy: This procedure uses a long, thin tube (endoscope) and tiny tools. Your provider inserts the endoscope into the gland opening. They use the tools to break up and remove the stone.
• Salivary gland removal: Your surgeon may remove your salivary gland. You may need surgery if salivary stones come back after treatment, or the stone causes severe symptoms.

When should I seek care?

You should talk to a healthcare provider if you have sudden, frequent and intense pain, pressure or swelling when you eat food. A salivary stone may be the cause.

What can I expect if I have sialolithiasis?

If you have a blocked salivary gland, you may experience pain or swelling around your salivary ducts during mealtimes. Usually, these symptoms last about one to two hours, then diminish until your next meal. Removing the stone usually cures the condition. But you may develop a new stone. Talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms come back.

Is sialolithiasis the same as a tonsil stone?

No, they’re different conditions. The difference is that they build upon your tonsils. Tonsil stones tend to be soft.