Salivary stones are hardened mineral deposits that form inside the salivary glands or their ducts, blocking the normal flow of saliva. Also called sialolithiasis, salivary stones can cause pain, swelling, dry mouth, and discomfort that often becomes worse while eating. Most salivary stones develop in the glands under the jaw, though they can occur anywhere saliva is produced. While some small stones pass naturally with hydration and home care, others may require professional treatment to prevent infection or long-term gland damage.
Saliva plays an important role in protecting your teeth, keeping your mouth moist, helping with digestion, and reducing bacteria. When a salivary gland becomes blocked, saliva can back up into the gland, leading to inflammation, swelling, and sometimes infection. Fortunately, most salivary stones are treatable, especially when diagnosed early.
What Are Salivary Stones?
Salivary stones are small calcium-based deposits that develop inside the salivary glands or their ducts. These stones can partially or completely block the movement of saliva into the mouth.
The condition most commonly affects the submandibular glands, which are located beneath the jaw. Less commonly, stones may form in the:
- Parotid glands near the cheeks and ears
- Sublingual glands under the tongue
- Smaller minor salivary glands throughout the mouth
Some salivary stones are tiny and cause little to no discomfort. Others can grow large enough to create noticeable swelling and pain.
Many people describe symptoms that come and go, especially during meals when the glands try to produce more saliva.
What Causes Salivary Stones?
The exact cause of salivary stones is not fully understood, but they are generally linked to reduced saliva flow or thicker saliva.
Several factors may increase the risk of developing salivary gland stones.
Dehydration
Not drinking enough water can reduce saliva production and make saliva more concentrated, increasing the likelihood of mineral buildup.
Certain Medications
Some medications can dry out the mouth and slow saliva flow, including:
- Antihistamines
- Blood pressure medications
- Diuretics (“water pills”)
- Certain psychiatric medications
- Anticholinergic drugs
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking may contribute to inflammation and changes in saliva consistency, which can increase the risk of blockage.
Trauma or Injury
Injuries to the mouth or salivary glands may affect saliva drainage and increase the chance of stone formation.
Medical Conditions
Certain health conditions have been associated with salivary stones, including:
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Autoimmune disorders
- Gout
- Kidney disease
- Chronic dry mouth
What Are the Symptoms of Salivary Stones?
Symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the stone. Small stones may not cause symptoms at all.
Larger stones can block saliva flow and lead to noticeable discomfort.
Common symptoms Include:
- Pain under the jaw, tongue, or near the ears
- Swelling in the face or neck
- Pain that worsens while eating
- A dry mouth feeling
- Difficulty swallowing
- Trouble opening the mouth fully
- A bad taste in the mouth
- A painful lump under the tongue
Symptoms are often cyclical. Many people notice that pain and swelling increase during meals and gradually improve afterward.
Can Salivary Stones Cause Infection?
Yes. If saliva becomes trapped behind a blockage, bacteria can build up inside the gland and lead to an infection called sialadenitis.
Signs of infection may include:
- Fever
- Redness or warmth in the area
- Pus or drainage in the mouth
- Persistent swelling
- Severe pain
- Fatigue or feeling unwell
An infected salivary gland should be evaluated promptly to avoid worsening complications.
How Are Salivary Stones Diagnosed?
A dentist or doctor will usually begin with a physical examination and review of symptoms.
In some cases, the stone can actually be felt during the exam. If the blockage is deeper or difficult to identify, imaging may be recommended.
Imaging tests may include:
- Ultrasound
- CT Scan
- MRI in select cases
These tests help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions that may affect the salivary glands, such as tumors, infections, or autoimmune diseases.
Can Salivary Stones Go Away on Their Own?
Some smaller stones may pass naturally without surgery. Increasing saliva flow can sometimes help push the stone out of the duct. However, persistent symptoms should still be professionally evaluated.
Home Remedies That May Help
Conservative treatment is often the first step for mild cases.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water can improve saliva flow and reduce stagnation within the glands.
Use Sour Candy or Citrus
Sucking on lemon drops or sugar-free sour candies stimulates saliva production, which may help dislodge small stones.
Apply Warm Compresses
Warm compresses may reduce discomfort and encourage drainage.
Gently Massage the Area
Massaging the affected gland can sometimes help move the blockage closer to the duct opening.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen may help reduce swelling and discomfort if medically appropriate for the patient.
When Should You See a Dentist or Doctor?
You should seek professional evaluation if you experience:
- Persistent swelling
- Recurrent pain while eating
- Fever or signs of infection
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pus draining into the mouth
- Symptoms that do not improve with home care
Ignoring chronic blockage can increase the risk of infection or long-term salivary gland damage.
Professional Treatment for Salivary Stones
If home remedies are unsuccessful, professional treatment may be necessary.
The best treatment depends on the stone’s size, location, and severity of symptoms.
Manual Removal
For smaller stones located near the duct opening, a dentist or doctor may be able to gently massage or remove the stone in-office.
Antibiotics
If an infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed to control bacterial growth and reduce inflammation.
Sialendoscopy
Sialendoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a tiny camera and specialized instruments to locate and remove the stone.
This approach has become increasingly popular because it:
- Preserves the salivary gland
- Requires smaller incisions
- Has a faster recovery time
- Causes less discomfort than traditional surgery
Surgical Removal
Larger or deeply positioned stones may require surgery.
In severe or recurrent cases, removal of the affected salivary gland may occasionally be recommended, though this is less common today due to advances in minimally invasive treatment.
Are Salivary Stones Dangerous?
Most salivary stones are not dangerous when treated appropriately.
However, untreated blockages can lead to:
- Chronic infections
- Recurrent swelling
- Abscess formation
- Damage to the salivary gland
- Ongoing pain and dry mouth symptoms
Early treatment usually prevents these complications.
How to Reduce the Risk of Salivary Stones
While salivary stones cannot always be prevented, certain habits may reduce the risk.
Prevention Tips
- Stay well hydrated
- Avoid tobacco products
- Maintain good oral hygiene
- Manage dry mouth symptoms early
- Attend regular dental checkups
- Discuss medication-related dry mouth with your healthcare provider
People who experience recurring dry mouth or repeated gland swelling should be professionally evaluated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Salivary Stones
Are salivary stones common?
Yes. Salivary stones are one of the most common salivary gland disorders and are most often seen in adults between 30 and 60 years old.
Can stress cause salivary stones?
Stress itself does not directly cause salivary stones, but dehydration, dry mouth, and certain medications associated with stress may contribute to their development.
Do salivary stones always need surgery?
No. Many small stones can improve with hydration, massage, and increased saliva flow. Large or persistent stones may require minimally invasive procedures.
What does a salivary stone feel like?
Some people feel a hard lump under the tongue or jaw. Others mainly notice swelling and pain, especially during meals.
Can salivary stones come back?
Yes. Some people may develop recurrent stones, particularly if underlying dry mouth or salivary gland issues are not addressed.
Final Thoughts
Salivary stones are a common condition that can cause swelling, discomfort, and difficulty eating when saliva flow becomes blocked. Although some stones resolve with conservative home care, persistent pain or swelling should not be ignored.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent infection and preserve healthy salivary gland function. If you are experiencing symptoms of a blocked salivary gland, a dental or medical evaluation can help determine the cause and identify the most appropriate treatment options.
Read more:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24344-sialolithiasis
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/salivary-stones
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/salivary-gland-stones-symptoms-causes-treatments
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324421
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/saliva-salivary-gland-disorders
https://www.nature.com/articles/sj.bdj.2014.1054
https://thorncrestdental.com/dental-xray/
https://thorncrestdental.com/dentist-check-ups/
https://thorncrestdental.com/the-hidden-dangers-of-mouth-breathing/
