Salivary Gland Infections: Symptoms, Causes and Self-Care

A salivary gland infection can cause painful swelling in front of the ear, under the jaw or on the floor of the mouth, often with a foul taste. MedlinePlus, from the National Library of Medicine, says these infections are somewhat common, can come back, and are caused by bacteria or viruses. Most go away on their own or with treatment.

The glands involved

MedlinePlus describes three pairs of major salivary glands: the parotids (the largest, in each cheek in front of the ears), the submandibulars (under both sides of the lower jaw) and the sublinguals (under the front of the floor of the mouth). All empty saliva into the mouth through ducts. Inflammation of a parotid gland is called parotitis.

Causes

Viral

MedlinePlus says viral infections such as mumps often affect the salivary glands, most often the parotid. There are fewer cases today because of widespread MMR vaccination.

Bacterial

Bacterial infections most often result from:

• blockage from salivary duct stones
• poor oral hygiene
• low body water (dehydration), most often in the hospital
• smoking
• chronic illness and autoimmune diseases

Symptoms

• abnormal or foul tastes
• decreased ability to open the mouth
• dry mouth
• fever
• “squeezing” mouth or face pain, especially when eating
• redness over the side of the face or upper neck
• swelling in front of the ears, below the jaw or on the floor of the mouth

Diagnosis

A provider or dentist looks for enlarged, often painful glands, and pus may drain into the mouth. MedlinePlus says CT, MRI or ultrasound may be used to look for an abscess or stones. A mumps blood test may be suggested if several glands are involved, and a bacterial culture can identify the organism.

Treatment

MedlinePlus says some cases need no treatment. A provider may use:

• antibiotics for fever, pus drainage or bacterial infection. Antibiotics don’t help viral infections.
• surgery or aspiration to drain an abscess
• sialendoscopy, using a tiny camera and instruments to diagnose and treat gland problems

Self-care

• Brush and floss well at least twice a day to help healing and keep infection from spreading. See flossing and interdental cleaning.
• Rinse with warm salt water (one-half teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water) to ease pain and keep the mouth moist.
• Stop smoking to speed healing. See smoking, vaping and oral health.
• Drink lots of water and use sugar-free lemon drops to increase saliva and reduce swelling.
• Massage the gland with heat and use warm compresses.

Outlook and complications

MedlinePlus says most infections go away on their own or with treatment. Some return. Complications aren’t common but include a gland abscess, recurrence, and spread of infection (cellulitis or Ludwig angina).

When to get help

Contact your provider if you have symptoms of a salivary gland infection or symptoms get worse. Get medical help right away for high fever, trouble breathing or swallowing problems. See what counts as a dental emergency.

Prevention

MedlinePlus says many cases can’t be prevented, but good oral hygiene may prevent some bacterial infections. Staying hydrated also matters. See dry mouth and your teeth.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need antibiotics?

Only if your provider suspects bacteria. MedlinePlus notes antibiotics don’t help viral infections like mumps.

Can it come back?

Yes. MedlinePlus says some infections return.

Sources

• MedlinePlus: Salivary gland infections

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: “A cold glass of water – GE Refrigerator – August 7, 2007” by Dave Matos, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 2.0. Resized and compressed for the web.