Blocked salivary gland can occur when salivary stones are present. Sialoliths or salivary stones can form and they can block the salivary ducts.
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There are a number of salivary glands in the mouth
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They can be blocked for a number of reasons, but Sialoliths or salivary stones are the most common reason
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Treatment is going to involve removal of the stone, this often includes surgery
Blocked Salivary Gland Causes
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Sialoliths are the main cause of salivary gland blockages
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Smaller stones can block the ducts
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The stones can also grow as big as peas and stay inside the salivary gland
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The exact cause of Sialoliths is not known
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But like kidney stones, they usually form with calcium salts
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These can affect adults
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It is rare in children although it is not unheard of
Other possible causes of blockages for the salivary gland include:
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Tumors
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Infections
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Cysts
Like Sialoliths, tumors and cysts can occur without causing any blockages to the ducts.
Some factors that can increase the risk of developing Sialoliths include:
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Dehydration – lack of fluid can concentrate the saliva in the ducts
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Decreased food intake – this lowers the need of chewing, which can stagnate saliva in the glands
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Medication that can decrease the production of saliva
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Professions that require constant air blowing
Block Salivary Gland Symptoms
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Pain – the pain quality may be dull, it can also be constant, or it may be aggravated by chewing
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Swelling – this is common when saliva gets backed up in the blocked salivary gland
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Infection – In some cases, a blocked gland can lead to an infection causing symptoms such as:
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Fever
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Inflammation – redness, swelling, inflamed area is warm to the touch
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Treatment
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A non-invasive procedure may be done to extract stones from the blocked salivary gland
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It involves inserting a probe into the duct to remove the blockage and to extract any stones
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Ultrasound waves may also be used to help shatter larger stones making them easier to excrete
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When stones are too large to extra through the duct, surgery may be necessary
Patients may also be given some drugs to help address the other symptoms associated with the blockage, especially when an infection has occurred.
Home Remedies for Blocked Salivary Glands
Home remedies are geared towards increasing saliva production with the goal of dislodging the blockage this way. Common methods include:
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Increasing water intake
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Sucking on hard candy
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Chewing gum
For the pain and inflammation patients may do hot/cold compresses.