How Do You Fix a Blocked Salivary Gland?
If you feel irritation or even just slight swelling near the site of your saliva glands – particularly when eating – it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor or dental professional. Both can feel inside your mouth to see if a stone is causing the blockage.
Often, the goal is to remove the stone blocking the duct, which can be done in several ways. You may be able to massage the stone out of place or stimulate enough saliva flow to wash it away. If not, your doctor might try to push the stone from the duct manually or perform a minimally invasive surgical procedure known as a sial endoscopy. Although removing the stone is a good option for many patients, those who develop salivary gland stones frequently need to have their doctor remove the affected gland itself.
Blocked Salivary Gland Treatment
Before your appointment, you can try these home treatments to soothe the symptoms of a blocked salivary gland:
- Stay hydrated
- Massage the gland and duct
- Increase saliva production by sucking on candies or citrus fruit
- Take pain medication
- Sucking on ice
Incurring an infection thanks to a blocked salivary duct isn't fun, but your doctor will most likely prescribe a course of antibiotics to clear it up. Massaging the area can help relieve swelling and pain associated with the infection. You might also consider using a sore-specific mouthwash to minimize any discomfort you feel from the swollen gland. Rest assured, most other pain relievers can help you feel better while getting treatment for this annoying condition.