They are one of the three pairs of glands that produce saliva.
While these glands usually function well, several conditions may impact them.
Infections such assialadenitismay develop due to a blockage in the glands.
This can cause swelling, soreness, and loss of moisture in the mouth.
Autoimmune disorders and medication side effects may also affect the submandibular glands and impede saliva production.
The two other types of salivary glands are theparotid(the largest) and sublingual glands.
The submandibular duct, also called the Wharton’s duct, is the excretory duct of the gland.
It drains saliva from the glands at the base of thetongue.
The blood supply to the gland comes from thefacial arteryand lingual artery.
The parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems regulate the salivary glands.
Unstimulated, the submandibular glands provide the majority of saliva to the mouth.
On stimulation, the parotid gland takes over, producing the majority of saliva.
Theparasympathetic nervous system and thesympatheticnervous systemregulate the glands.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for decreasing blood flow and secretions.
This results in a higher concentration of enzymes in the saliva, which is essential for digesting food.
Associated Conditions
The submandibular gland usually functions without issue.
But sometimes itcan become blockedor affected by certain conditions.
Salivary stones are made of mineral deposits.
Symptoms of sialolithiasis may include pain and swelling at the site of the salivary glands.
These symptoms usually get worse when eating.
Symptoms sometimes come and go; other times they are constant.
Left untreated, the gland may become infected.
Sialadenitis
Aninfection in the salivary glandsis called sialadenitis.
Infections in the salivary glands most often affect the parotid and the submandibular glands.
Older people and those with chronic health conditions are most at risk of developing a salivary gland infection.
Infections in the glands are because of a bacteria, commonlyStaphylococcus aureus.
Viruses, such asmumps, can also lead to infections in the salivary glands.
It is named after Henrik Sjogren, a Swedish eye healthcare provider who discovered the condition.
Primary Sjogrens disease develops on its own, and associated Sjogrens disease in conjunction with other autoimmune diseases.
While Sjogrens disease can affect any sex, females are nine times more likely to be affected than males.
As with other autoimmune diseases, it is unknown what causes the immune system to begin attacking healthy cells.
Genetics, reproductive hormones, environmental factors, and infections may be associated with the development of Sjogrens disease.
The most common symptoms of Sjogrens disease are dry eyes and mouth and muscle and joint pain.
Xerostomia
Xerostomia(dry mouth) occurs as a result of salivary gland hypofunction (underperformance).
It may be because of side effects from medications or chemotherapy, autoimmune disease, or infection.
Cancerous and Noncancerous Tumors
Most salivary gland tumors are benign (noncancerous).
Benign tumors are most often removed via surgery.
Numbness, face pain, and drainage from the ear may also occur.
Sialolithiasis can sometimes be seen on dental X-rays.
If you are experiencing pain or swelling, your healthcare provider may palpate the area.
They may also order a computed tomography (CT scan) or ultrasound to rule out other conditions.
Often, at-home treatments like heat, massage, and hydration can remedy sialolithiasis.
If home-treatment does not address the issue, an otolaryngologist may need to remove the stones.
The procedure, called sialendoscopy, is done underlocalorgeneral anesthesia.
Diagnosis of sialadenitis usually begins with a physical exam.
CT scan and ultrasound may also be utilized.
Sialadenitis is usually treated with hydration and antibiotics.
Surgical drainage may be necessary if the infection does not respond promptly.
If stones are contributing to the infection, those may also be removed surgically.
In addition to a physical exam, your healthcare provider may also order an eye exam.
A biopsy of your glands may also be done.
Imaging, such as sialometry and salivary scintigraphy, uses injected dye to see how your salivary glands function.
Your primary healthcare provider may coordinate your care if you have Sjogrens disease.
You may also see specialists, likerheumatologistsor otolaryngologists.
There is no cure for Sjogrens disease.
Instead, treatments focus on managing symptoms.
Treatments for dry eyes may include eye drops, punctal plugs, or surgery to close tear ducts.
Treatments for dry mouth may include artificial saliva producers and specific dental care to prevent decay and infections.
Treatment of xerostomia will first involve addressing the underlying cause, then will support the management of symptoms.
Symptom management may include chewing gum and saliva substitutes.
Salivary Gland Cancer
A test for salivary gland cancer begins with a physical exam.
During the exam, your healthcare provider will examine your mouth and face.
The cells are then sent to a lab to be analyzed.
An incisional biopsy may be done if not enough cells were collected in an FNA.
The sample is sent to a lab for evaluation.
These types of biopsies are not commonly done for salivary gland tumors.
When functioning properly, these glands work with other glands to regulate saliva in your mouth.
Infections can decrease the amount of saliva produced, though, and so can the autoimmune disease Sjogrens disease.
Your healthcare provider can run diagnostic tests to pinpoint the cause and recommend treatment.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Salivary stones.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Salivary gland Infection (sialadenitis).
Cleveland Clinic.Sjogren’s syndrome.
American Cancer Society.What is salivary gland cancer?
