Blocked Salivary Gland Treatment

Blocked salivary gland treatment needs to be taken if there is a stone present inside the glands and if it is causing blockage. Below, I have mentioned about the same along with more information related to blocked salivary gland.
Blocked Salivary Gland Treatment
The salivary glands are present in and around the throat and the mouth. There are two types of glands, namely; major salivary glands and minor salivary glands. The work of the major is to secrete the saliva through the tubes. The symptoms of blocked salivary gland are dry mouth, difficulty in swallowing or opening the mouth. The victim might experience pain in the mouth or the face. Swelling of neck or face might be observed.

There are various reasons associated with the blocked salivary gland like diseases and illnesses. Diseases like HIV/AIDS can cause this. Salivary gland stones can be caused due to external factors like constant exposure to sun and at the same time drinking less amount of water. This will cause dehydration of the mouth and also dryness. Some medicinal drugs, anti depressant decrease the production of saliva. Other salivary gland stones causes are chronic pain and depression. If, a person has undergone throat or any kind of oral surgery in the recent past, then there are chances of him suffering from blocked salivary gland.

Information on Blocked Salivary Gland Treatment

Most of the times, blockage in salivary gland occurs due to the presence of salivary duct stones. These stones are crystallized minerals in the ducts that block the salivary glands. In such cases, the doctors advise to remove it. The salivary stones can be removed by pressing down the salivary gland. In some cases, if by pressing, the stone does not come out, then surgical operation has to be opted. Surgical operations are done if the stone is stubborn and it cannot be flushed out with other methods. You can also prefer to place a warm compress behind the ear and below the mandible. The stone can be flushed out by increasing the flow of saliva. You can stimulate the flow of saliva with the help of citrus or sour candy. Also, it is suggested to increase the consumption of other fluids. Mildly probing the duct present inside the mouth with a blunt instrument might help the stone to fall out of the mouth. But, make sure that you do not try it at home. This should be done by a medical practitioner.

The stones present inside can be broken down by means of ultrasound waves. These broken fragments of stone can then easily passed through the duct. This advanced blocked salivary gland treatment is not at all painful and can be done in less amount of time. Another blocked salivary gland treatment makes use of a endoscope. This endoscope has a camera attached to one end. This tube is pushed inside the duct and if the stone can be viewed, then a pair of grabbers or a tiny basket is attached to its end which then grabs the stone and pulls it out. The stones are mostly observed in people aged 40 and above. These salivary stones are made up of calcium.

In order to avoid blocked salivary glands, make sure that you drink enough fluids. Maintain oral hygiene and make sure that you go for oral examination after every 3 to 6 months. Blocked salivary gland can be uncomfortable, but it is not dangerous and the blocked salivary gland treatments are also not painful. It can be removed with minimal amount of discomfort. But, there are chances that it might cause other salivary gland infections.

By Pradnya S
Published: 10/31/2009
 
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