A salivary stone diagnosis is often a surprise – in fact, it's common not to know what a salivary stone is! And while salivary stones can cause pain and swelling in your mouth or jaw, they're often asymptomatic.
Curious about the symptoms, risk factors, and potential treatments for salivary stones? Read on to get the most important facts.
A salivary stone occurs when calcium builds up in your glands and creates a stone-like mass. While forming, it can block the duct leading from your glands to the inside of your mouth. This process inhibits saliva flow to your mouth, and a (sometimes painful) bulge can form. Also known as sialolithiasis, the discomfort can be felt in the neck, face, or mouth and worsens before or during meals. Occurring more in men than women, sialolithiasis is the most common disease of the salivary glands, affecting approximately 1 out of 1,000 adults – usually between ages 30 to 60.
A case report published in the Journal of Advanced Medical and Dental Sciences Research notes that Sialolithiasis (also termed salivary calculi, or salivary stones), is a condition where a calcified mass or sialolith forms within a salivary gland, usually in the duct of the submandibular gland (80%) (also termed "Wharton's duct"). Less commonly the parotid gland (19%) or rarely the sublingual gland or a minor salivary gland (1%) may develop salivary stones.
The exact cause of salivary stone formation is unclear. It's believed that calcium salts from saliva begin to form when these minerals sit stagnantly rather than moving through the glands during the secretion of saliva as they should. Merck Manuals notes that most salivary stones are composed of calcium phosphate, magnesium and carbonate. A salivary stone also has a nidus or central spot for organic and non-organic compounds to accumulate onto. As this formation grows, it turns into a stone-like deposit.
While it's mostly unknown why some individuals are more susceptible to salivary stones than others, there are several risk factors, including:
Decreasing bacteria that builds up in your mouth can keep salivary glands healthy and help prevent salivary stones.
Along with staying hydrated, quitting smoking, and considering any saliva medication protocol that may inhibit saliva production, a vigorous oral care routine is imperative. Brush your teeth twice daily, clean between your teeth with floss, a water flosser, or another interdental cleaning tool once a day, and follow with a mouthwash to rinse away any hard-to-reach bacteria.
Small bumps or discolorations on the floor of your mouth, sides of your cheek, or jaw, could be signs of a developing sialolith. These bumps can cause discomfort or swelling. Treatment is dependent on the size, shape, number, hardness, and location of the salivary stone.
For smaller stones, a dental professional may recommend drinking more water, placing a warm compress on the enlarged area, or taking an anti-inflammatory or over-the-counter pain killer until the salivary stone passes. They may also be able to dislodge your stone by massaging it. Other small stones may simply pass on their own. Sucking on a lemon or sour candy can help encourage saliva flow and dislodge the stone, so don't be surprised if your dental professional recommends doing so every two to three hours – it's not every day your dentist recommends candy!
The report further notes that treatment for sialolithiasis consists of surgical removal under local anesthetic. Considering alternative treatment options, a small calculus located at the opening of the excretory duct may be approached conservatively via warm compresses, delicate massage and milking of the gland, in an attempt to expel the calculus via the glands excretory duct orifice. In rare cases, a very large or oddly shaped stone may require more invasive surgery.
While stones can pass on their own, you should make an appointment with your dental professional is recommended if you think you have one. Along with removing your salivary stone, your dental professional may examine you to rule out other saliva-related issues, like a salivary gland infection or tumour.
Knowing the potential risk factors for developing a salivary stone can help mitigate the chances of developing one again. And while some factors (like your age) are out of your control, maintaining a rigorous oral care routine, attending regular dental check-ups, staying hydrated, quitting smoking, and communicating with your dental professional about your medications are great ways to be proactive and stave off more salivary stones.
Keep in mind that if you do develop a painful salivary stone, your dental professional has several ways to treat it!
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
