How do you treat salivary stones?
Sialolithiasis treatment depends on the size and location of the stone. Treatments may include home remedies, antibiotics, in-office stone removal or, in some cases, surgery.
Home remedies
Most of the time, salivary gland stones go away on their own with conservative treatment. You might be able to push the stone out of your salivary duct by drinking lots of water, applying heat or massaging the area. You can also try sucking on lemon drops or other sour candy to stimulate saliva production.
Antibiotics
If you’ve developed an infection as a result of a salivary gland stone, your healthcare provider will probably prescribe antibiotics. You should take these exactly as directed.
In-office stone removal
If home remedies aren’t successful, your healthcare provider may try to remove the stone by gently probing the area with a blunt instrument.
Sialolithiasis surgery
Larger salivary gland stones may require surgery. During this procedure, a surgeon inserts an endoscope into your salivary duct to locate the stone. They’ll use a special instrument to remove the stone. In some cases, a small incision is necessary.
Salivary gland removal
In rare instances, you may need to have your salivary gland surgically removed. Healthcare providers reserve this treatment for people with severe, recurring (returning) symptoms, or if the stone is in a location that isn’t amendable to removal by conservative means.
FAQs
“Sialolithiasis” is the medical term for salivary gland stones (calculi). These stones can cause pain and swelling of your salivary gland. Causes include dehydration, smoking and certain autoimmune diseases. Sialolithiasis treatments include massage, heat application and, sometimes, surgery.
What is the main cause of salivary stones? ›
The underlying cause of salivary gland stones is unknown. No foods or drinks have been shown to cause salivary gland stones. The only known risk factors are dry mouth and dehydration. Therefore, staying well-hydrated is the only preventative measure to date.
How can I get rid of a salivary stone? ›
Most salivary gland stones resolve with conservative treatment. Patients will get instructions on applying moist heat and gentle massage to the salivary gland. Staying well-hydrated is important. Lemon drops or other tart candies can help stimulate salivation.
How can I unclog my salivary glands? ›
You can try to remove a salivary gland stone by doing things to increase the amount of saliva in your mouth, such as:
- sucking on a lemon or lemon drops.
- drinking plenty of water.
- gently massaging around the stone.
Patients who suspect that they have a salivary gland stone should see an otolaryngologist as soon as possible. The specialist will examine the mouth and may need to do further testing with imaging studies such as x-rays, ultrasound, or a CT scan.
What autoimmune disease causes salivary stones? ›
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that mainly affects the eyes and salivary glands, but can also affect other parts of the body. Immune system cells attack the tear (lachrymal) and salivary glands.
What can trigger the salivary glands? ›
Infection of the lymph nodes from a sore throat or cold can also cause a secondary infection in the salivary glands. Other Disorders: Diseases such as HIV-AIDS, and autoimmune disorders such as Sjögren's disease and rheumatoid arthritis, can make the salivary glands inflamed and painful.
What does a clogged salivary gland feel like? ›
If you have parotid duct obstruction, you may have symptoms such as pain and swelling near the back of your jaw. Some people have only swelling or only pain. Symptoms may often come and go. They are often worse during eating, when your salivary gland makes more saliva.
Can a blocked salivary gland go away on its own? ›
Outlook (Prognosis) Most salivary gland infections go away on their own or are cured with treatment. Some infections will return. Complications are not common.
How to massage stone out of salivary gland? ›
Using the pads of your fingers, apply a gentle, circular motion with your fingers to massage the area around the parotid glands and then forward toward your mouth. Continue the motions for about 5-10 minutes, aiming to stimulate saliva flow and promote blood circulation in the affected gland.
A stone can sometimes be removed by squeezing them out by hand or by making a small cut in the opening to the duct.
Will antibiotics get rid of salivary stones? ›
How do you treat salivary stones? Sialolithiasis treatment depends on the size and location of the stone. Treatments may include home remedies, antibiotics, in-office stone removal or, in some cases, surgery.
Can dehydration cause salivary stones? ›
But factors contributing to less saliva production and/or thickened saliva may be risk factors for salivary stones. These factors include: dehydration, poor eating, and use of certain medications including some antihistamines, blood pressure drugs, psychiatric drugs, and bladder control drugs.
Does salt water help with salivary stones? ›
A provider can use the endoscope to flush a blocked salivary duct with saline (a mix of salt and water) or another anti-inflammatory rinse to potentially break up any salivary stones. Salivary gland swelling may lead to a diagnosis of: Salivary stones (sialolithiasis) Salivary gland infection (sialadenitis)
How to massage out a salivary gland stone? ›
Using the pads of your fingers, apply a gentle, circular motion with your fingers to massage the area around the parotid glands and then forward toward your mouth. Continue the motions for about 5-10 minutes, aiming to stimulate saliva flow and promote blood circulation in the affected gland.
How long can salivary stones last? ›
The mean duration of symptoms is approximately five years and four months for submandibular stones and four years and ten months for parotid stones.
What bacteria causes salivary stones? ›
The infection may be bacterial or viral. Staphylococcus aureus is most common bacterial cause of salivary gland infections. Other bacteria and viruses that can enter these glands and cause an infection include: Streptococci bacteria.
