Salivary Gland Problems

Written by Mary Anne Dunkin, Kristin Mitchell
Medically Reviewed by Zilpah Sheikh, MD on February 10, 2025
6 min read

Your salivary glands make as much as a quart of saliva each day. Saliva is important to keep your mouth moist, help with swallowing, protect your teeth against bacteria, and aid in the digestion of food. The three major pairs of salivary glands are:

  • Parotid glands, located on the inside of the cheeks
  • Submandibular glands, found at the floor of the mouth
  • Sublingual glands, located under the tongue

Also, there are several hundred minor salivary glands throughout the mouth and throat. Saliva drains into the mouth through small tubes called ducts.

When there is a problem with the salivary glands or ducts, you may have symptoms such as salivary gland swelling, dry mouth, pain, fever, and foul-tasting drainage into the mouth.

Several problems can interfere with the function of the salivary glands or block the ducts so they can't drain saliva. The following are some of the more common salivary gland problems:

Salivary stones (sialoliths)

These are the most common cause of swollen salivary glands. Salivary stones are buildups of crystallized saliva deposits. Sometimes, salivary stones can block the flow of saliva. When saliva can't exit through the ducts, it backs up into the gland, causing pain and swelling. Pain is usually off and on, is felt in one gland, and worsens over time. Unless the blockage is cleared, the gland is likely to become infected.

Salivary gland infection (sialadenitis)

Sialadenitis is a bacterial infection of the salivary gland, most commonly the parotid gland, which may happen when the duct leading into the mouth is blocked. This condition causes a painful lump in the gland, and foul-tasting pus drains into the mouth.

Sialadenitis is more common in older adults with salivary stones, but it can also happen in babies during the first few weeks after birth. If not treated, salivary gland infections can cause severe pain, high fevers, and abscesses (pus collection).

Infections

Viral infections. Viral infections such as mumps, flu, and others can cause swelling of the salivary glands. Swelling happens in parotid glands on both sides of the face, giving the appearance of "chipmunk cheeks."

Salivary gland swelling is commonly associated with mumps, happening in about 30%-40% of mumps infections. It usually begins about 48 hours after the start of other symptoms such as fever and headache.

Other viral illnesses that cause salivary gland swelling include the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Coxsackievirus, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Bacterial infections. Bacterial infections generally cause one-sided swelling of the salivary gland, along with symptoms such as fever and pain. The bacteria involved are typically those found normally in the mouth, as well as staph bacteria. These infections most often affect the parotid gland. Dehydration and malnutrition raise the risk of getting a bacterial infection.

Cysts

Cysts can develop in the salivary glands if injuries, infections, tumors, or salivary stones block the flow of saliva. Some babies are born with cysts in the parotid gland due to issues with ear development. It can appear as a blister or a soft, raised area. Cysts may interfere with eating and speaking.

Tumors

Several types of tumors can affect the salivary glands. They can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). The two most common tumors are pleomorphic adenomas and Warthin's tumor.

Pleomorphic adenomas most commonly affect the parotid glands but can also affect the submandibular gland and minor salivary glands. These tumors are usually painless and grow slowly. Pleomorphic adenomas are benign (noncancerous) and are more common in women than in men.

Warthin's tumor is also benign and affects the parotid gland. Warthin's tumor can grow on both sides of the face. Although they're generally considered to affect more men than women, recent studies have shown no significant difference between cases of Warthin's tumors in men versus women. 

While most salivary gland tumors are benign, some can be cancerous. Malignant tumors include mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, low-grade polymorphous adenocarcinoma, and malignant mixed tumors.

Sjögren's syndrome

This is a chronic autoimmune disease in which cells of a person's immune system attack the salivary and other moisture-producing glands, leading to dry mouth and eyes.

About half of people with Sjögren's syndrome also have enlargement of the salivary glands on both sides of the mouth, which is usually painless.

Treatment for salivary gland problems depends on the cause.

For stones and other blockages of the ducts, treatment often begins with measures such as manual removal of stones, warm compresses, or sour candies to increase the flow of saliva. If simple measures don't relieve the problem, surgery may be required to remove the blockage and/or the affected gland.

Other problems may be treated with medications. For example, bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. Medications can also be prescribed for dry mouth.

Home remedies for salivary gland infections

To treat your salivary gland infection at home, you can try:

  • Applying a warm compress or massaging your gland with heat
  • Drinking more water, which helps to lessen swelling
  • Having a good oral care routine, including brushing and flossing two times daily
  • Rinsing with salt water
  • Quitting smoking

Treating salivary gland cancer

Cancer of the salivary glands occurs when cancer cells form in salivary gland tissues. 

Surgery is usually required to remove benign and malignant tumors. Some benign tumors are treated with radiation to keep them from coming back. Some cancerous tumors require radiation and chemotherapy. Surgery may also be needed to treat large cysts.

Some clinical trials are studying the effectiveness of drugs called radiosensitizers as a treatment option. These drugs can help make radiation therapy work better by making tumor cells more sensitive to radiation. Your doctor may also suggest you join a clinical trial to help lessen side effects or to test treatment that keeps cancer from coming back.

You can't completely prevent salivary gland infections. To lessen your chances of getting these infections, you can:

  • Drink enough water.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Maintain good oral hygiene.
  • Stay away from tobacco products.

Salivary gland problems refer to issues that affect your salivary glands, which include the parotid glands on the insides of your cheeks, submandibular glands at the floor of your mouth , and sublingual glands under your tongue . Common symptoms include swelling, dry mouth, pain, fever, and foul-tasting drainage into the mouth. Practicing good oral hygiene can help prevent salivary gland infections. These infections often go away on their own with at-home treatments, such as using a warm compress and staying hydrated. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms last more than seven days. If you have trouble swallowing or breathing, go to the emergency room immediately.

How do you fix salivary gland problems?

Problems with your salivary glands can usually be treated at home. Using a warm compress and practicing good oral health habits can help. If your symptoms don't improve, it's best to see your doctor for treatment options, which may include certain medications or surgery.

What are the early symptoms of salivary gland tumors?

More than 50% of all tumors of the salivary glands are noncancerous. Some early symptoms of salivary gland cancer include trouble swallowing and a lump. Most small tumors start at the roof of your mouth, while major tumors of the salivary glands usually happen in the parotid glands, which are found in the area just below and in front of your ears.

What is the best treatment for salivary gland problems?

The best treatment options include drinking enough water, using a warm compress or massaging the affected area, and maintaining good oral hygiene.

Does gargling with salt water help salivary glands?

Yes, gargling with a warm saltwater rinse may help keep the inside of your mouth wet and soothe pain.