Sialolithiasis is the medical term used for salivary gland stones. The stones, or calculi are mostly composed of calcium, but they also contain potassium, magnesium and ammonium.<\/p>\n
The mouth has three major salivary glands which can develop stones. These are:<\/p>\n
There are also minor salivary glands located in the lips, cheeks, and throughout the tissue lining the mouth. Having slow salivary flow can make you at risk of developing a salivary gland stone in your submandibular salivary gland.<\/p>\n
It is rare for children to develop sialolithiasis and it is most commonly found in men between the ages of 30 to 60.<\/p>\n
Although most stones occur in one gland, it is possible to have multiple stones form at once. While submandibular stones account for 80 to 92 percent in all sialolithiasis, parotid stones account for 6 to 20 percent. The minor and sublingual glands have a relatively low risk for development of salivary gland stone.<\/p>\n
Saliva is mostly made up of water but it also contains small amounts of electrolytes, phosphate, calcium, antibacterial compounds and digestive enzymes. The antibacterial properties of saliva protect against:<\/p>\n
The digestive enzymes in saliva break down food before it is even swallowed and saliva is released in response to the smell and taste of food. Saliva also helps us to talk and swallow.<\/p>\n
Saliva is produced by several glands located in the throat and mouth. The major salivary glands transport the saliva through tiny tubes known as salivary ducts which eventually release the saliva into various areas in your mouth.<\/p>\n
Conditions such as dehydration which can decrease water content or cause thickening of the saliva can cause the phosphate and calcium in the saliva to form a stone. The stones form in the salivary ducts and can either partially occlude it or totally obstruct the salivary duct. You may develop sialolithiasis even when you are healthy, and it may be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. However, there are conditions which may cause thick saliva and subsequent sialolithiasis such as:<\/p>\n
Small stones which do not block the flow of saliva can occur and cause no symptoms. However, if the flow of saliva becomes completely blocked, it may cause infection to the associated salivary gland.<\/p>\n
The symptoms usually occur when you are trying to eat (since that is the time the flow of saliva is stimulated) and may subside within a few hours after attempting to eat or after eating. The symptoms include:<\/p>\n
Severe infections of a salivary gland may cause profound symptoms including fatigue, fever, and sometimes noticeable swelling, pain and redness around the affected gland.<\/p>\n
An ENT or otolaryngologist is a physician who is qualified to diagnose and treat sialolithiasis. But doctors in other specialities can also be able to diagnose and treat this condition.<\/p>\n
Your medical history will be considered and your head, neck and the inside of your mouth examined. A stone can sometimes be felt as a lump. MRI and CT scans are also used to help with the diagnosis.<\/p>\n
The treatment of sialolithiasis depends on the location of the stone and how large it is.<\/p>\n
At King\u2019s College Hospital Dubai, we focus on offering an exemplary service, from initial consultation through to final diagnosis and treatment and beyond. Our team of expert doctors and nurses are here to offer tailored management and treatment of your condition, and to answer any questions that you might have throughout your time with us. Whatever you need us for, we\u2019re only a phone-call away.<\/p>\n