Salivary Gland Infection

Bacteria are a common cause, and a salivary duct stone can block saliva and allow infection to develop. Viral infection, low fluid intake, poor oral hygiene, smoking, chronic illness, and autoimmune disease are also linked with salivary gland infections.

Infection may stay within a gland, but untreated infection can spread into deep neck tissues. Swelling in those tissues can block the airway.

Low saliva flow makes bacterial infection easier because saliva normally washes bacteria away. Dehydration, dry mouth, malnutrition, recent illness or surgery, certain medicines, smoking, chronic illness, and salivary stones can increase risk.

Diagnosis begins with an examination for an enlarged, painful gland or pus draining into the mouth. Ultrasound, CT, or MRI can look for a stone or abscess, and a bacterial culture can identify the organism.

Bacterial infection may be treated with antibiotics, while antibiotics do not treat viral infection. Fluids help dehydration; sialendoscopy can remove a stone or open a narrowed gland; an abscess may need drainage.

Care can range from examination and a bacterial culture to imaging for stones or an abscess. Treatment may involve antibiotics, fluids, sialendoscopy, or abscess drainage depending on the finding.

An infection that spreads into deep neck tissues can cause swelling that blocks the airway. Difficulty breathing with neck swelling needs emergency care.

Good oral hygiene may prevent some bacterial salivary gland infections. Brushing and flossing twice a day, drinking water, and using sugar-free lemon drops to increase saliva flow are listed self-care measures.