If one side of your face or the area under your jaw swells and aches every time you eat, a salivary duct stone may be blocking the flow of spit. MedlinePlus, from the National Library of Medicine, describes these stones (sialolithiasis) as mineral deposits in the ducts that drain the salivary glands. They usually cause only pain or discomfort, but they can become infected.
How stones form
MedlinePlus explains that chemicals in saliva can form a hard crystal that blocks a duct. When saliva can’t get out, it backs up into the gland, which may cause pain, swelling or infection.
The major salivary glands
- Parotid: the two largest, one in each cheek over the jaw in front of the ears.
- Submandibular: just under both sides of the jaw, draining to the floor of the mouth under the tongue.
- Sublingual: under the front of the floor of the mouth.
MedlinePlus says stones most often affect the submandibular glands, and can also affect the parotids.
Symptoms
MedlinePlus says symptoms occur most often when eating or drinking:
- swelling of the face or neck, which can be severe at mealtimes
- pain in the face or mouth
- problems opening the mouth or swallowing
- dry mouth
Diagnosis
A provider or dentist examines your head and neck for enlarged, tender glands and may feel the stone under your tongue. MedlinePlus says X-rays, ultrasound, MRI or CT confirm the diagnosis. See our dental X-rays guide.
Treatment
The goal is to remove the stone. MedlinePlus lists:
- At home: drink lots of water and use sugar-free lemon drops to increase saliva.
- Gland massage with heat: a provider or dentist may be able to push the stone out.
- Surgery to cut out the stone in some cases.
- Shock waves to break the stone into small pieces.
- Sialendoscopy: tiny cameras and instruments to find and remove stones in the duct.
- Gland removal if stones become infected or keep coming back.
Sugar-free choices protect your teeth. See sugar-free gum and xylitol.
When a stone leads to infection
MedlinePlus lists blockage from duct stones as a common cause of bacterial salivary gland infection. Signs include a foul taste, fever, pus draining into the mouth, redness over the side of the face or upper neck, and worsening swelling. See salivary gland infections. Get medical help right away for high fever, trouble breathing or swallowing problems.
When to contact a provider
MedlinePlus advises contacting your provider if you have symptoms of salivary duct stones. A provider or dentist can examine the glands.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the swelling get worse when I eat?
MedlinePlus says symptoms occur most often when eating or drinking. When a stone blocks the duct, saliva can’t exit and backs up into the gland.
Can a stone come out on its own?
Water, sugar-free lemon drops and gland massage with heat may help move it. Your provider can advise on other options.
Sources
By the Dentist Review Editorial Team.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a licensed dentist about your own situation. See our disclaimer.
Featured image: “Sherbet lemons 1” by Mx. Granger, via Wikimedia Commons, released into the public domain (CC0). Resized and compressed for the web.
Our guides are written and reviewed by the Dentist Review editorial team. We research each topic using public, authoritative sources such as the CDC, the National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIDCR), the American Dental Association (ADA) and CMS, and we update guides when guidance changes. Guides are for general information only and are not dental or medical advice; please read our disclaimer and learn more about us.