Salivary gland stones can be one of the most frustrating, yet poorly understood, afflictions of the mouth. Few people know the details about salivary stones or that they even exist, but the effects they can have on health and comfort can be dramatic. If you do find that you have salivary stones, then it might be time to seek out care at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa. To help you get a better idea of exactly what you might be dealing with, here are the basic facts about salivary gland stones.
What Are Salivary Gland Stones?
Salivary gland stones are one of the two main types of stones that can form in the mouth, the other being tonsil stones. While tonsil stones form in the tonsils (as one would expect), salivary stones tend to build up in the glands beneath the tongue, on the inside of the cheek, and between the teeth and gums. The short version of the process is that you have hundreds of small salivary glands throughout your mouth for producing saliva. However, they are big enough for other materials to enter as well. Over time, significant amounts of minerals can enter and build up into a sizable deposit. In many cases, this hardened deposit is too big to exit through the opening easily, leading to a general sense of discomfort and a hidden irritant that can’t be removed because you don’t know what it is. On top of that, removing the salivary stone might not be a permanent cure to your problems because another could easily grow in the same spot or a different salivary gland entirely. Some people never get a single salivary stone and some people get them constantly for decades.
Symptoms
First off, salivary stones can cause discomfort in the area immediately around the stone itself. This can range from mild soreness to sharp pain, depending on the exact circumstances involved. In some ways, this can be the best case scenario because it lets you know precisely where the problem is. On the other hand, salivary stones can cause a much more general sensation of discomfort around the jaw and face. The dispersed nature of the discomfort can make it very hard to pinpoint what’s causing the problem without the expertise of a professional. Furthermore, salivary stones can give you pain specifically when you eat and work your jaw. This can be very difficult to distinguish from problems with your teeth or jawbone in general. Finally, salivary stones can directly lead to infections. If the gland in question builds up pus from the salivary stone, then that could involve a serious fever and serious health risks if left untreated.
Causes
Even though it’s difficult to figure out when you have salivary stones, it can be even harder to figure out exactly where they came from. Some people get them and some people don’t, but the common factors can be as broad as whether a person is male or elderly. However, there are some more specific factors to keep in mind. Individuals that underwent radiation therapy for a cancer near the head have increased risk for salivary stones, as can individuals that had serious mouth injuries or kidney problems. One of the most intuitive causes of salivary stones is the usage of medicine that specifically affects saliva production.
Treatments
Dealing with salivary stones on your own can be fairly straightforward because once you’ve found out that you have salivary stones, the hard part is over. Citrus is commonly taken as a solution to both salivary and tonsil stones because it increases saliva production. This can push the stone out and solve your temporary concerns. If the gland lets you dislodge the stone easily enough, then all you need to do is suck on some lemon the next time a stone pops up as well. Massaging the affected area of your mouth can work if the stone is easily accessible. With a little pressure, you might be able to work the stone out. For salivary stones that are particularly persistent or difficult to remove, surgery may be required.
If you suspect that you might have salivary stones, then your first step is to visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in South Ottawa. Contact us today to book an appointment and learn about the best treatment options for you.
