The glands are located in and around the mouth and throat. The major salivary glands are called the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands. Salivary glands produce the saliva used to moisten your mouth, initiate digestion, and help protect teeth from decay.
Symptoms typically occur when eating.
Saliva production is initiated, but cannot exit the ductal system, leading to swelling of the involved gland and significant pain, sometimes with an infection. Secondary infection of salivary glands from adjacent lymph nodes also occurs. These lymph nodes are the glands in the upper neck which often become tender during a common sore throat Many of these lymph nodes are actually located on, within, and deep in the substance of the parotid gland, near the submandibular glands. When these lymph nodes enlarge through infection, this is noticed by the patient as a red, painful swelling in the area of the parotid or submandibular glands. Lymph nodes also enlarge due to tumors and inflammation.