{"id":5681,"date":"2022-11-01T16:06:03","date_gmt":"2022-11-01T20:06:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/advancedent.com\/?page_id=5681"},"modified":"2022-11-01T17:47:42","modified_gmt":"2022-11-01T21:47:42","slug":"salivary-glands","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/advancedent.com\/salivary-glands\/","title":{"rendered":"Salivary Glands"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The salivary glands, located in the mouth and throat, are responsible for producing saliva to keep your food moist, making it easier to chew and swallow. Saliva also aids in digestion, keeps your teeth from decaying and contains antibodies that keep your mouth clean and germ-free. Disorders of the salivary glands can interfere with these processes and lead to a variety of health problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The three main salivary glands are your parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands. There are also hundreds of minor salivary glands located in your mouth and throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disorders of the Salivary Glands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When the salivary glands become swollen and inflamed, symptoms such as dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, a bad taste in the mouth, pain in the face or mouth, swelling of the jaw and neck, muscle weakness or numbness and trouble opening your mouth widely can occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disorders of the salivary glands may be related to a variety of factors. Infections are not uncommon. Obstructions that limit the flow of saliva, causing it to build up in the ductal system and cause swelling, may lead to infection and, if left untreated, abscessed glands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tumors can affect the salivary glands themselves or other areas nearby such as the palate, mouth, cheeks or lips. Other disorders affecting these glands include autoimmune diseases, diabetes and excessive alcohol consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How is Salivary Gland Disease Treated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your doctor will usually take either a medical or surgical approach for treatment of a salivary gland disorder, depending on the underlying cause and its progression. Any abnormal lump or swelling will require a biopsy to rule out the possibility of cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are diagnosed with a tumor, then surgery will probably be recommended. Surgery might involve removing a portion or all the salivary gland and any necessary lymph nodes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, we need to biopsy a salivary gland to rule out certain autoimmune conditions. This can be done with a small incision inside the mouth that leaves no scar or cosmetic change to your face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An otolaryngologist familiar with salivary gland diseases is best equipped to come up with a treatment plan and will make a recommendation based on your symptoms and condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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