Salivary gland infections are viral or bacterial infections of the saliva-producing glands.
There are three pairs of major salivary glands.
All of the salivary glands empty saliva into the mouth through ducts that open at various locations in the mouth.
Salivary gland infections are somewhat common, and they can return in some people.
Viral infections such as mumps often affect the salivary glands (mumps most often causes parotiditis). Mumps is a rare infection today because of immunization with the MMR vaccine.
Bacterial infections usually result from a blockage (such as salivary duct stones) or poor oral hygiene. They can be seen in people who are dehydrated and in the hospital.
An examination by the health care provider or dentist will show that the salivary glands are enlarged. Pus may drain into the mouth. The gland may be painful, most often if there is an infection caused by bacteria.
A CT scan or ultrasound may be done if the doctor suspects an abscess.
In some cases, no treatment is needed.
If there is pus or a fever, or if the infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may be prescribed. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections.
If there is an abscess, surgery to drain it or aspiration may be done.
Practice good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth and flossing thoroughly at least twice per day may help with healing and prevent an infection from spreading. If you are a smoker, stop smoking to help with recovery.
Warm salt water rinses (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water) may be soothing and keep the mouth moist.
Drink lots of water and use sugar-free lemon drops to increase the flow of saliva and reduce swelling. Massaging the gland with heat may help.
Most salivary gland infections go away on their own or are cured with treatment. Some infections will return. Complications are not common, but they may occur.
Call your health care provider if:
In many cases, salivary gland infections cannot be prevented. Good oral hygiene may prevent some cases of bacterial infection.
Parotitis; Sialadenitis
Elluru RG. Physiology of the salivary glands. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2010:chap 84.
Rogers J, McCaffrey TV. Inflammatory disorders of the salivary glands. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2010:chap 86.
Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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