Salivary Gland Stones

Salivary gland stones (sialolithiasis) occur when mineral deposits form in the salivary glands or ducts in the mouth. It is 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 ducts they can slowly grow and can block saliva flow, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling and infection.

What are 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.

Symptomatic salivary gland stones are uncommon, affecting 59 per million population in the UK. Initial symptoms are usually facial pain and swelling, typically on eating tasty food which increases saliva flow. If not identified and treated at this stage, it is common for infection (sialadenitis) to occur, so it is 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 one hypothesis is 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, or a sialogram to confirm a diagnosis of salivary gland stones or to distinguish them from another problem.

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 lemon drops

If you have pain it can help to take paracetamol or ibuprofen

If these remedies aren’t successful in getting rid of the stone or if you have signs of an infection (pain, redness or pus around the stone and a high temperature) 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 sialendsocopy 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.

Get in touch today to book an appointment with a OneWelbeck maxillofacial specialist.