Salivary stones are small stones that form in the glands of the oral cavity. They tin can block the flow of saliva and cause pain or discomfort.

The medical term for salivary stones is sialoliths. When they block the salivary glands, this is known equally sialolithiasis.

Salivary stones are rarely a cause for concern, and people can often get rid of them at home. However, some stones may require treatment from a dr..

In this commodity, we explain what salivary stones are and discuss their symptoms and causes. We also explore home remedies, when to see a dr., medical handling, and possible complications.

Salivary stone in a person's mouth. Share on Pinterest
Salivary stones can form in the ducts of any salivary gland.
Image credit: James Heilman, MD, 2012

The salivary glands in the mouth produce a liquid chosen saliva. Saliva protects the teeth, helps with chewing and swallowing food, and initiates the process of digestion.

The mouth contains hundreds of minor, or small, salivary glands. In that location are too three pairs of major, or big, salivary glands. These large glands include the:

  • parotid glands, which sit below the ears on the inside of the cheeks
  • submandibular glands at the bottom of the mouth about the jawline
  • sublingual glands, which are underneath the tongue

Salivary stones are small deposits of calcium and other minerals. They can form in the ducts of whatsoever type of salivary gland. Larger stones can cake the flow of saliva and crusade the glands to peachy.

According to enquiry from 2012, more than 80 percentage of salivary stones form in the submandibular gland, while 6–15 percent occur in the parotid gland, and ii percent are in the sublingual and small salivary glands.

Salivary stones do non usually cause symptoms when they are forming, and they tin sometimes disappear on their own. The stones can vary in size, but they are ordinarily hard and white.

Larger stones can block the flow of saliva in the gland. This blockage tin can cause saliva to build upwards behind the stone, which can lead to pain and swelling.

Common symptoms of blocked salivary glands include:

  • a sore or painful lump under the natural language
  • pain or swelling below the jaw or ears
  • pain that increases when eating

Salivary stones can sometimes likewise lead to infection in or effectually the affected gland. Symptoms of infection tin include fever and the formation of pus around the stone.

Doctors do non fully understand what causes salivary stones. Withal, certain factors can increase a person's take chances of getting them.

These risk factors include:

  • being male
  • advancing age
  • having radiation therapy on the head or neck
  • mouth injuries
  • taking medications that touch on saliva product, such as anticholinergics
  • having gout or Sjogren's syndrome
  • having kidney problems
  • not drinking plenty water

Salivary stones are rarely serious, and a person can often treat them at home.

Home remedies for getting rid of salivary stones include:

  • Sucking on citrus fruits or difficult candies. Sucking on a wedge of lemon or orange increases the menstruum of saliva, which can aid dislodge the stone. A person can also attempt sucking on sugar-gratis gum or difficult, sour candies, such as lemon drops.
  • Drinking enough of fluids. Regular fluid intake helps keep the mouth hydrated and tin increase saliva flow.
  • Gentle massage. Gently massaging the afflicted expanse may relieve hurting and encourage the stone to pass through the salivary duct. The Sjogren'due south Syndrome Foundation take an illustrated guide on how to practise this on their website.
  • Medications. Some over-the-counter drugs, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, tin can help salve hurting and swelling.
  • Sucking on ice cubes. Sucking on something cold, such as an ice cube or ice pop, may also assistance reduce pain and swelling resulting from salivary stones.

Salivary stones tin can sometimes cause infections or abscesses, so people who are unable to remove the stones by themselves should run into a doc. If the doctor is unable to remove the stones, they may refer the person to the hospital.

Anyone who has signs of an infection or abscess should see a md immediately. A doctor can usually treat an infection with antibiotics.