Salivary Gland Problems

Salivary glands produce saliva, which moistens food to make it easy to swallow and contains enzymes (proteins) to help break down food so it is easier to digest.

• Salivary glands can malfunction, become infected, or be blocked by stones that form in their ducts.
• Malfunctioning salivary glands produce less saliva, which causes dry mouth and tooth decay.
• Infected or blocked salivary glands cause pain.
• Saliva flow can be measured, or doctors may biopsy salivary gland tissue.
• Sometimes blockages in the ducts that lead from the salivary glands can be removed, but some people need to use saliva substitutes.