The salivary glands have various important functions for the body, especially producing saliva which plays a role in the process of digesting food. However, for some conditions, the salivary glands can also be disturbed so that it has an impact on body health.
The salivary glands consist of three main parts, namely the parotid glands which are located on both sides of the lower cheeks, the sublingual glands are under the tongue, and the submandibular glands are located under the curve of the jaw.
In addition to the three major salivary glands, there are also small salivary glands that are scattered on the roof of the mouth, lips, inner lining of the cheeks, nose, sinus cavities, and throat. These minor glands are so small they can only be seen with a microscope.
In addition to producing saliva, the salivary glands also function as a lubricant to prevent dry mouth, aid in the swallowing process, protect teeth from bacteria, and aid in the digestion of food.
Because of its important role, the health of the salivary glands is always maintained to avoid various disorders.
Disorders of the salivary glands
An impaired salivary gland is usually characterized by dry mouth, fever, pain, swelling, and an unpleasant salivary taste. Well, disturbances that can occur include:
1. Viral and bacterial infections
Some types of viral infections, such as mumps, flu, and HIV, can cause swelling of the salivary glands. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, joint pain, swollen cheeks, and headache.
However, unlike other salivary glands, the parotid gland is often infected with bacteria. Symptoms that can appear are fever, pain, and swelling on one side of the cheek.
2. Stones in the salivary glands (sialolithiasis)
This condition is a common cause of swollen salivary glands. Sialolithiasis occurs when the salivary glands produce too much saliva in the mouth. This makes substances contained in saliva, such as calcium, harden and form small stones.
These stones can block the flow of saliva into the mouth, then make the salivary glands swell and feel painful. Stones that have completely clog will cause pain when eating. The blockage also has the potential to cause infection.
3. Salivary gland infection (sialadenitis)
Blocked flow of saliva into the mouth can cause a bacterial infection of the salivary glands. This infection causes the glands to swell, cause lumps in the overlying skin layer, and discharge a foul-smelling pus.
Sialadenitis is more common in adults who have stones in the salivary glands. However, it is also possible for babies to experience it in the first few weeks of birth.
4. Sjögren . syndrome
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks glands that secrete fluids, such as the salivary and tear glands.
About half of people with Sjögren's syndrome also have enlarged salivary glands on both sides of the mouth. However, this swelling is usually painless.
If it attacks the salivary glands, Sjögren's syndrome will cause dry mouth, inflammation of the gums, tooth decay, difficulty chewing and swallowing, dry cough, hoarseness, and difficulty speaking.
5. Cyst
Cysts can form in the salivary glands if there is an injury, infection, tumor, or stone that blocks the flow of saliva. However, there are also people who are born with cysts in the parotid gland. This condition is usually caused by a developmental disorder of the ear.
Cysts in the salivary glands can make it difficult for sufferers to eat, talk, and swallow. Sometimes, it is also accompanied by yellow mucus that flows out of the salivary glands when the cyst ruptures.
The health of the salivary glands can be maintained by routinely taking care of oral health, namely by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and don't forget to use dental floss to clean food residue between your teeth.
If you experience swelling of the salivary glands or feel other symptoms that are thought to be caused by disorders of the salivary glands, don't hesitate to see a doctor to get the right treatment.