This brochure is a copy of an American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Public Service Brochure. 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. Obstruction to the flow of saliva most commonly occurs in the parotid and submandibular glands, usually due to stone formation.
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. If stones are not totally obstructive, the major glands will swell during eating and then gradually subside after eating, only to enlarge again at the next meal. Infection often develops in the abnormally pooled saliva, leading to more severe pain and swelling in the glands. If untreated long enough, the glands may become abscessed. In some individuals the duct system of the major salivary glands may be abnormal.