Salivary Gland Stones: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
If you have noticed swelling under your jaw or in front of your ear that gets worse while eating, along with pain that comes and goes, you may be dealing with a salivary gland stone. This is a common and treatable condition that many patients in Chhatarpur, New Delhi mistake for a dental infection or swollen lymph node. Understanding why it happens and what can be done about it can help you seek timely care.
What Are Salivary Gland Stones?
Salivary gland stones, also called sialoliths, are small hardened deposits made mostly of calcium that form inside the salivary glands or their ducts. These stones can partially or fully block the flow of saliva, causing it to build up inside the gland. The result is swelling, discomfort, and sometimes infection if the blockage is not addressed.
There are three major pairs of salivary glands: the parotid glands near the ears, the submandibular glands under the jaw, and the sublingual glands under the tongue. Stones can form in any of these, but they are most common in the submandibular glands because the saliva produced there is thicker and has to travel uphill through a narrow duct.
Why Do Salivary Stones Form?
Salivary stones develop when minerals in saliva, mainly calcium, crystallise around a tiny core of debris, thickened mucus, or bacteria inside the gland or duct. Several factors make this more likely.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water leads to thicker, more concentrated saliva.
- Reduced saliva flow: Certain medications, illness, or long gaps between meals can slow saliva production.
- Diet: A diet low in fluids and high in processed foods may contribute to mineral buildup.
- Gland or duct anatomy: Narrow or curved ducts are more prone to trapping debris.
- Previous gland inflammation: Past infections or injury to the gland can leave scar tissue that traps particles.
Salivary stones can affect anyone, though they are seen slightly more often in middle-aged adults.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
The hallmark symptom of a salivary stone is swelling that appears or worsens around mealtimes. This happens because eating stimulates saliva production, and if the duct is blocked, saliva backs up and the gland swells.
- Swelling under the jaw, chin, or near the ear, often on one side
- Pain or tenderness in the swollen area, especially while eating or even just thinking about food
- A dry mouth or unusual taste
- Difficulty opening the mouth fully in some cases
- Fever, redness, or pus if the blocked gland becomes infected
Symptoms may come and go over days or weeks depending on whether the stone is partially or fully blocking the duct. If swelling is accompanied by fever or the area feels hot and increasingly painful, this may indicate infection and should be evaluated promptly.
How Salivary Stones Are Diagnosed
A dentist or oral health specialist will usually begin with a physical examination, gently feeling along the floor of the mouth and jaw to check for a firm lump along the duct. Imaging is often used to confirm the diagnosis and locate the stone precisely.
| Diagnostic Method | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Clinical examination | Feel for swelling and check saliva flow from the duct opening |
| X-ray | Detects calcified stones, especially larger ones |
| Ultrasound | Identifies stones and assesses gland structure without radiation |
| CT scan | Used for smaller or deeply located stones when other tests are unclear |
Treatment Options for Salivary Gland Stones
Treatment depends on the size, location, and how long the stone has been present.
Conservative Measures
- Drinking plenty of water throughout the day
- Applying warm compresses to the swollen area
- Gently massaging the gland toward the duct opening
- Sucking on sour foods like lemon slices or sugar-free citrus candies to boost saliva flow and help push the stone out
Professional Removal
If the stone does not pass on its own, a dentist or specialist may remove it using one of these approaches:
- Manual expression: Gentle manipulation to push the stone out through the duct opening, done for stones located near the surface.
- Sialendoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure using a thin scope to locate and remove the stone directly from the duct.
- Minor surgical removal: Needed for larger stones or those deep within the gland, performed under local anaesthesia.
In cases of repeated infections or a severely damaged gland, removal of the gland itself may occasionally be recommended, though this is uncommon.
Typical Cost Considerations
Treatment cost varies with the size and location of the stone and the method used for removal. For patients in Chhatarpur, New Delhi, the typical range for conservative management and simple removal is modest, while sialendoscopy or surgical procedures fall into a higher typical range due to the equipment and expertise involved. Your dentist can give you a clearer estimate after an examination and imaging.
When to See a Dentist
You should not ignore recurring swelling near your jaw, especially if it consistently appears while eating. Early evaluation prevents complications like infection or gland damage. A dental professional can quickly determine whether a salivary stone, or another condition, is behind your symptoms and guide you toward the right treatment.
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Dr Vijay's Dental SPA · Chhatarpur Enclave, New Delhi
Frequently asked questions
Can salivary gland stones go away on their own?
Small stones sometimes pass on their own with hydration, massage and sour foods that stimulate saliva flow. Larger stones usually need a dentist or doctor to remove them.
Are salivary stones a sign of cancer?
No. Salivary stones are a benign, mechanical blockage caused by mineral buildup. However, any persistent lump should be checked to rule out other causes of swelling.
Which gland is most commonly affected by stones?
The submandibular gland, located under the jaw, is affected most often because its saliva is thicker and drains upward against gravity, making blockages more likely.
Is the removal of a salivary stone painful?
Most removal procedures are done under local anaesthesia and cause only mild discomfort. Recovery is usually quick, with some soreness for a few days.
Treatment costs mentioned on this page are indicative ranges for the Chhatarpur, New Delhi region. Your exact cost depends on your case and will be confirmed after a clinical examination at the clinic.