Salivary Gland Stones

Salivary gland stones, medically known as sialolithiasis, are small mineral deposits that form in the salivary glands or ducts in your mouth. It’s normal to form microscopic stones which flush out of the gland with the saliva. However, if the microscopic stones get stuck in the salivary gland or ducts, they can slowly grow and block saliva flow.

Common symptoms include facial pain and swelling, typically on eating tasty food, which increases saliva flow. If not identified and treated at this stage, it's common for infection (sialadenitis) to occur, so it's important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

At OneWelbeck, our maxillofacial specialists are experts in the treatment of salivary gland stones and any associated complications, such as infection.

What are the symptoms of salivary gland stones?

Depending on the severity of the condition, symptoms of salivary gland stones can include:

• Salivary gland swelling

• Dull pain and/or swelling under the tongue

• An unusual taste in your mouth

• A sore lump under your tongue

• Facial pain or swelling, usually under your jaw or in front of your ear

You may notice that symptoms get worse when you’re eating. 

Depending on which glands are affected, you may experience symptoms on either one side (unilateral) or rarely on both sides (bilateral). Symptoms can also come and go over time, or they may be persistent. In some cases, salivary gland stones don’t cause any symptoms at all.

If a stone moves or develops in a way that blocks a salivary duct, your symptoms may get worse, and the gland can become infected.

What causes salivary gland stones?

Salivary gland stones are made up of organic and inorganic substances and commonly include calcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite, two chemicals found in saliva. 

The reason why a stone forms isn’t clear, but it's thought that at times of dehydration, microscopic stones can get lodged in the natural curves in the salivary ducts, and then slowly grow and increase in size until they cause a blockage or partial blockage, which causes symptoms.

How are salivary gland stones diagnosed?

At OneWelbeck, our maxillofacial specialists can diagnose salivary gland stones with a visual examination of your mouth.

Your consultant may also do a physical examination to check for any abnormalities in the tissue in your face and neck that may need to be addressed.

If there is any doubt, your consultant may conduct some tests, such as an ultrasound, to confirm a diagnosis of salivary gland stones or to distinguish them from another problem.

How to prevent salivary gland stones

While salivary gland stones can’t always be prevented, certain habits can help reduce their likelihood:

• stay well hydrated to maintain saliva flow and reduce stagnation

• avoid smoking, as it may alter saliva composition and contribute to stone formation

• maintain good oral hygiene to keep salivary ducts clear and functioning properly

• care for underlying conditions such as dehydration, autoimmune disorders, or medications known to thicken saliva

• stimulate saliva regularly by sucking on sour foods like citrus fruit, especially if early symptoms occur, to aid clearance of small stones

Complications of salivary gland stones

If left untreated, salivary gland stones can lead to several complications:

• chronic gland swelling and pain, especially during meals when saliva production increases

• sialadenitis – inflammation or infection of the salivary gland often follows stone-induced blockage

• abscess formation sometimes extending into neck spaces due to untreated infection

• formation of a salivary fistula – an abnormal drainage pathway from the gland to the skin or mouth in advanced or long-standing cases

• gland atrophy or recurrent stone formation, which may necessitate gland removal surgery

How are salivary gland stones treated?

The best treatment for salivary gland stones depends on the size and location of the stone. 

If they are small, they may go away on their own with simple at-home treatments and remedies, including:

• Drinking lots of water (2 litres a day)

• Gently massaging the affected gland 

• Sucking on a lemon or sugar free lemon drops

If these remedies aren’t successful in getting rid of the stone, it’s important to make an appointment to see a specialist.

Depending on the size of the stone, your consultant may:

• Remove the stone with a blunt surgical instrument during a consultation

• Perform minimally invasive, gland-preserving treatments such as sialendoscopy to remove the stone

• Surgically remove the affected salivary gland 

Your consultant will recommend and explain the most appropriate course of treatment during an initial consultation.

Why choose OneWelbeck?

At OneWelbeck, our maxillofacial specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the OneWelbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure you receive the best possible treatment as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Book your private consultation

Get in touch today to book an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at OneWelbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at OneWelbeck.

FAQs

What lifestyle steps can help prevent the recurrence of salivary gland stones?

Staying well-hydrated and practising good oral hygiene are key. You can also gently massage the gland area, especially after meals, and avoid habits like smoking, which can impair saliva flow. These simple habits support healthy saliva production and reduce the risk of new stones forming.

What should I expect at home after a minimally invasive removal of a salivary stone?

You may feel soreness in the mouth or gland for a few days. Soft foods are encouraged during this time, and your consultant will follow up with you to check that the gland is healing well.

Are there ways to remove a stone naturally without needing surgery?

In some cases, especially with small, accessible stones, sucking on citrus fruits or gently massaging the gland may help the stone pass naturally into the mouth. This option is useful only in select cases and should be discussed with a specialist.

What are the common techniques used to remove larger or deeper salivary stones?

For stones that are too large or located deeper within the duct, advanced minimally invasive techniques like sialendoscopy are used. These may involve using tiny instruments to capture or break up the stone, sometimes with the aid of lasers or other devices, while preserving the gland.