Salivary Gland Inflammation

The reasons for salivary gland inflammation (sialodenitis) are numerous, but they all result in a blockage of saliva passage from the gland (production center) through the salivary gland’s duct & orifice (the exit).

This blockage can be from:

• Inflammation around the duct’s orifice from trauma like a cheek bite.

• Inflammation of the gland or duct itself from bacteria or viruses.

• Physical Obstruction of the saliva flow; commonly stones (sialoliths) and rarely tumors

• Increase in saliva viscosity; usually from dehydration and electrolyte imbalances

Treatment & Therapy

All the above reasons for the gland inflammation are treated rather differently.

For initial and more conservative treatment we recommend the following:

• Head elevation; do not lay flat.

• Warm salt water rinses; vigorously and often (10 times a day)

• Anti-Inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or Naproxen (Aleve) per bottle instructions, and of course, only if you are not allergic and are normally permitted to take the medications.

• Adequate hydration; drink fluids often

• Facial Massage; slow but firm

• Sour sucking candies. The sour sense produces salivary production and the act of the negative pressure from sucking can draw out the saliva.

• Antibiotics (not always, but sometimes, and occasionally intravenously in the hospital setting)

If certain features/symptoms are present or if initial attempts are unsuccessful, treatment may warrant care in the hospital setting and sometimes surgery.

• Worrisome features that would require immediate attention in the hospital would include:

  • Facial Paralysis or weakness

  • High Fevers/Chills

  • Severe swelling that extends to your eyes or neck

  • Difficulty Breathing

  • Difficulty Swallowing fluids

• Surgery

  • Surgery and advanced endoscopic procedures are reserved for for patients with chronic/refractory sialodenitis or those with physical obstructions such as stones or tumors.