Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Salivary duct stones are accumulations of calcium and phosphate crystals in one of the salivary ducts. These include the parotid, submandibular, or sublingual glands. The parotid glands lie just behind the angle of the jaw, in front of the ears. The submandibular and sublingual glands are deep in the floor of the mouth.
Certain diseases cause thickening of the saliva and increase the risk for stone formation. One example is Sjogren syndrome, which causes dryness of the mouth and other mucous membranes. In some autoimmune disorders, the body attacks its own salivary glands. This thickens the saliva and forms stones.
What is going on in the body?
Saliva is formed in response to smell and taste stimuli. It provides a healthy environment for the teeth. Saliva also helps break down complex starches. When the water content of saliva is reduced, the calcium and phosphate in the saliva can form a stone.What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Stones are more likely to form when the water content of saliva is lower. A person who is dehydrated is at higher risk. Certain medicines also predispose someone to stones. These include antidepressants, antihistamines, and diuretics.Certain diseases cause thickening of the saliva and increase the risk for stone formation. One example is Sjogren syndrome, which causes dryness of the mouth and other mucous membranes. In some autoimmune disorders, the body attacks its own salivary glands. This thickens the saliva and forms stones.
Symptoms & Signs
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
The individual may have discomfort and swelling of the affected saliva gland. The pain worsens at mealtimes, when more saliva is produced. It becomes exaggerated when the person eats acidic or sour foods. The saliva may have a gritty feel or unusual taste. The swelling and discomfort often go away over several hours.Sometimes the stone blocks the draining of saliva and causes a bacterial infection of the gland. If an infection occurs, the gland becomes swollen, very painful, and tender to the touch. The person may have a fever.
Diagnosis & Tests
How is the condition diagnosed?
Diagnosis of a salivary duct stone begins with a medical history and physical exam. Stones can often be felt, particularly in the submandibular glands. The healthcare provider may order an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis.Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Prevention of salivary duct stones focuses on increasing the water content of the saliva. The following measures may be helpful:What are the long-term effects of the condition?
Long-term effects can occur if chronic bacterial infection sets into the gland. Scars form in the area, and removal of the stone is much more difficult.What are the risks to others?
Salivary duct stones are not contagious and pose no risk to others.Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the condition?
The stone may be squeezed directly out of the duct if it is small enough. For larger stones that cannot completely pass out of the duct opening, a small incision can be made to remove it. Occasionally, the gland and its stone may be completely removed.What are the side effects of the treatments?
Surgical removal of the stone may lead to scarring of the duct opening. This can then cause failure of the gland to drain properly. Other problems may then arise, such as additional stone formation and infection. If the entire gland is removed, complications involve damage to the nearby nerves. This can result in paralysis and loss of sensation in the tongue or face.What happens after treatment for the condition?
After successful stone removal, the condition usually returns to normal. For recurrent acute or chronic infection, gland removal may be needed.How is the condition monitored?
Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.Attribution
Author:Mark Loury, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Crist, Gayle P., MS, BA
Edit Date:06/30/01
Reviewer:Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
Date Reviewed:05/30/01
Date Written:
Editor:Crist, Gayle P., MS, BA
Edit Date:06/30/01
Reviewer:Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
Date Reviewed:05/30/01
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