Salivary Gland Disease

24 February 2026

Salivary gland disease describes a range of conditions affecting the glands that produce saliva (spit). The main salivary glands are:

Parotid glands (in front of the ears)
Submandibular glands (under the jaw)
Sublingual glands (under the tongue)

Problems can develop when saliva flow is reduced or blocked, when infection or inflammation occurs, or when a lump develops within a gland. Symptoms often include swelling, pain, dry mouth and sometimes an unpleasant taste, particularly around mealtimes when saliva production increases.

At New Foscote Hospital, we offer consultant-led assessment to identify the cause of symptoms and create a clear treatment plan, including imaging and onward specialist pathways where needed.

Types of Salivary Gland Disease

Salivary gland disease can include:

Salivary stones (sialolithiasis)
Hard deposits that block a duct and reduce saliva flow, commonly affecting the submandibular gland.
Salivary gland infection (sialadenitis)
Infection and inflammation, sometimes triggered by blockage or dehydration.
Chronic inflammation / swelling
Recurrent episodes of swelling or discomfort, sometimes linked to reduced flow, autoimmune conditions, or repeated infections.
Cysts
Fluid-filled swellings within a duct or gland.
Benign or malignant tumours
Lumps can occur, most commonly in the parotid gland. Most are benign, but any persistent lump should be assessed.

Common Causes

Salivary gland problems may be caused by:

Blocked ducts (often from stones)
Dehydration or reduced saliva flow
Certain medications that cause dry mouth
Poor oral intake during illness or after surgery
Smoking (can contribute to oral dryness and irritation)
Underlying conditions that reduce saliva production (for example autoimmune disease)
Previous injury, scarring, or narrowing of a salivary duct
Less commonly, a growth within the gland

Symptoms of Salivary Gland Disease

Symptoms vary depending on the cause, but may include:

Swelling under the jaw, in the cheek, or under the tongue
Pain or tenderness, often worse during or after eating
Swelling that comes and goes
Dry mouth or thick, sticky saliva
Bad taste in the mouth
Redness or warmth over the gland
Discharge or pus into the mouth (with infection)
Fever or feeling generally unwell (with infection)
A persistent lump in the gland area

Diagnosis at New Foscote Hospital

Your consultant will take a detailed history and examine the mouth, ducts and gland area. Investigations may include:

Review of triggers (especially meal-related swelling), hydration and medications
Examination of the mouth and salivary duct openings
Checks for infection or inflammation
Ultrasound (commonly used to detect stones and assess lumps)
Further imaging if needed (such as CT or MRI) for complex or persistent symptoms
In selected cases, fine needle aspiration (FNA) of a lump to examine cells and guide treatment

You will receive a clear explanation of findings and the safest next steps.

Treatment & Management

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Self-care for mild blockage or small stones

Your consultant may advise:

Increasing fluid intake
Warm compresses and gentle gland massage
Sugar-free sour sweets (to stimulate saliva flow)
Pain relief as appropriate

Treating infection (sialadenitis)

If infection is suspected, treatment may include:

Antibiotics where appropriate
Anti-inflammatory medication and pain control
Hydration support and advice to improve saliva flow

Procedures for persistent blockage or stones

If symptoms persist or stones are causing ongoing problems, your consultant may discuss:

Removal of a stone from the duct where accessible
Onward referral for specialist duct procedures (such as salivary duct endoscopy) where appropriate
Less commonly, surgery may be considered for recurrent or complex disease

Managing lumps

If a lump is identified, management depends on imaging and (if required) biopsy results. This may involve monitoring, further investigation, or referral for surgical assessment.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent medical advice if you develop:

Rapidly increasing swelling with severe pain
Fever, chills, or feeling significantly unwell
Difficulty opening your mouth
Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Redness spreading across the face or neck
A persistent lump that is growing, especially with weight loss or new nerve symptoms (such as facial weakness)

Book an assessment

If you have swelling under the jaw or in the cheek, pain that worsens around mealtimes, dry mouth, or a persistent lump, New Foscote Hospital can assess the cause and advise on the most appropriate treatment pathway.

Make An Enquiry

Aaron