Have you ever noticed swelling or pain under your jaw that becomes worse when you start eating? Perhaps you feel a small lump beneath your tongue, discomfort near your cheek, or pressure around your jaw that settles after a while. These symptoms can sometimes be caused by salivary gland stones.
Salivary gland stones, also known as salivary calculi, are small deposits of minerals that form inside the salivary glands or their ducts. They can obstruct the flow of saliva, causing swelling and discomfort, particularly during meals.
The symptoms may initially seem minor, but a persistent blockage can sometimes lead to infection or recurring pain. Understanding the salivary gland stones symptoms, their causes, and available treatment options can help you recognise when it is time to consult an ENT specialist.
What Are Salivary Gland Stones?
Salivary glands produce saliva, which keeps the mouth moist and helps with chewing, swallowing, and digestion. Saliva travels from the glands into the mouth through small tubes called salivary ducts.
Sometimes, minerals present in saliva accumulate and form a hard deposit inside a gland or duct. This is known as a salivary gland stone or salivary duct stone.
When the stone partially or completely blocks the duct, saliva cannot flow normally into the mouth. As saliva builds up behind the blockage, the affected gland may become swollen and painful.
Salivary stones most commonly develop in the submandibular glands, which are located beneath the lower jaw. They can also develop in the parotid glands, located in front of and just below the ears.
The size of a stone can vary. Some are small enough to pass naturally, while others remain lodged in the duct and require medical treatment.
Why Does Your Jaw Swell When You Eat?
One of the most characteristic salivary gland stones symptoms is swelling or pain that appears during meals.
When you eat, your salivary glands produce more saliva to help moisten food and begin digestion. If a stone blocks the duct, the increased saliva cannot drain properly.
As a result, saliva collects behind the obstruction, causing pressure, swelling, and sometimes sharp or aching pain.
You may notice that:
- The area beneath your jaw becomes swollen while eating.
- Pain increases when you chew or think about food.
- Swelling gradually decreases after the meal.
- Discomfort returns whenever you eat.
- The affected side of your face or neck feels tender.
This pattern is an important clue, but it does not confirm that you have a salivary gland stone. Other conditions can cause similar symptoms, so an examination may be needed to establish the cause.
If the swelling repeatedly appears during meals, arrange an assessment with an ENT specialist rather than ignoring the symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Salivary Gland Stones
The symptoms depend on the stone’s size, location, and the extent of the blockage. Some people experience only mild discomfort, while others develop significant swelling or infection.
1. Swelling Under the Jaw
Swelling beneath the lower jaw is common when a stone affects the submandibular gland or its duct.
The swelling may become more noticeable during meals and reduce afterward. In some cases, a lump or fullness can remain even when you are not eating.
2. Pain Near the Salivary Gland
You may experience aching, pressure, or sharp pain beneath the jaw, under the tongue, or near the cheek in front of the ear.
The pain often becomes worse when saliva production increases. If the blockage persists, discomfort may occur even between meals.
3. Swelling Under the Tongue
A stone in the duct beneath the tongue may cause localised swelling or tenderness in the floor of the mouth.
Some stones may be visible or felt near the opening of the duct, but you should not attempt to dig them out or press forcefully on the affected area.
4. A Lump That Comes and Goes
A lump beneath the jaw that becomes noticeable during meals and later reduces may be associated with a blocked salivary duct.
However, not every lump in the neck is caused by a salivary stone. Enlarged lymph nodes, salivary gland inflammation, and other conditions can also cause swelling.
Persistent or unexplained lumps should be examined by a healthcare professional.
5. Dry Mouth or Reduced Saliva Flow
If saliva cannot drain normally from an affected gland, you may notice reduced saliva flow or dryness in the mouth.
Other salivary glands usually continue producing saliva, so the effect varies depending on the extent of the blockage.
6. Signs of Infection
A prolonged blockage can sometimes lead to infection in the affected gland.
Warning signs include:
- Increasing pain and swelling
- Redness or warmth over the affected area
- Fever or chills
- Pus or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Difficulty opening the mouth because of pain
Seek prompt medical assessment if these symptoms develop. Severe swelling that affects breathing or swallowing requires emergency care.
What Causes Salivary Gland Stones?
The exact reason a stone forms is not always clear. Salivary stones develop when minerals in saliva accumulate and form deposits inside a gland or duct.
Several factors may contribute to their formation.
Dehydration
Not drinking enough fluids can contribute to reduced saliva flow or more concentrated saliva, potentially encouraging mineral deposits to form.
Reduced Saliva Flow
When saliva does not flow freely, minerals may accumulate more easily. Certain medical conditions and medications can contribute to dry mouth or reduced saliva production.
Changes in Saliva Composition
The mineral content and characteristics of saliva may influence stone formation. In many cases, however, there is no single identifiable cause.
Previous Salivary Gland Problems
A history of salivary gland inflammation or obstruction may be relevant when a person develops recurring symptoms.
It is important to remember that salivary gland stones are not necessarily caused by poor oral hygiene. Maintaining oral health is beneficial, but it does not guarantee that stones will not form.
Which Salivary Glands Are Commonly Affected?
Salivary stones can develop in different glands, and their location influences where symptoms appear.
Submandibular Gland Stones
The submandibular glands are situated beneath the lower jaw. They produce a large proportion of the saliva present in the mouth at rest.
Stones in these glands or their drainage ducts are the most common type of salivary stone. You may notice swelling beneath the jaw or beneath the tongue, particularly during meals.
The duct associated with the submandibular gland is called Wharton’s duct. A stone lodged in this duct can obstruct saliva flow into the floor of the mouth.
Parotid Gland Stones
The parotid glands are located in front of and below the ears. Stones affecting these glands may cause swelling or pain near the cheek, in front of the ear, or along the side of the face.
Although parotid stones are less common than submandibular stones, they can still interfere with saliva drainage and require assessment.
The location of the swelling can help an ENT specialist narrow down the possible causes, but examination is necessary to determine the diagnosis.
How Are Salivary Gland Stones Diagnosed?
If you experience repeated swelling or pain around the jaw during meals, book an ENT consultation to have the affected area assessed and discuss appropriate investigations.
The diagnostic process may include the following steps.
Medical History and Physical Examination
Your doctor will ask when the swelling occurs, how long it lasts, whether it is painful, and whether you have experienced fever, dry mouth, or similar episodes previously.
The doctor may examine the inside of your mouth, the floor of your mouth, and the areas around your jaw and cheeks to identify tenderness, swelling, or a possible stone.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound scan can help identify stones and assess changes in the affected salivary gland. It is non-invasive and may be used as an initial imaging investigation.
X-Ray or CT Scan
Some salivary stones are visible on conventional X-rays, while others may require additional imaging. A CT scan may be recommended when the stone’s location is unclear or further information is needed for treatment planning.
Further Duct Examination
In selected cases, an ENT specialist may recommend additional evaluation of the salivary duct to identify the location and extent of the obstruction.
Not every patient requires all these tests. The appropriate investigation depends on the symptoms, examination findings, and suspected location of the stone.
Salivary Gland Stone Treatment: What Are the Options?
Treatment depends on the size and location of the stone, the severity of the blockage, and whether an infection is present.
Some small stones pass naturally, while others need a procedure to remove the obstruction.
1. Hydration and Conservative Care
For selected mild cases, your doctor may recommend drinking adequate fluids and using other conservative measures to encourage saliva flow.
Gentle massage of the affected gland may sometimes be recommended by a healthcare professional. Do not apply excessive pressure or attempt to force a stone out.
These measures are not suitable for every case, particularly when there is significant pain or suspected infection.
2. Saliva-Stimulating Measures
Sugar-free sweets or chewing gum may stimulate saliva production and help some small stones pass.
However, increasing saliva production when a duct is completely blocked may worsen pain and swelling. Ask your clinician whether these measures are appropriate for your particular condition.
3. Medication
Medication may be prescribed when inflammation or infection is present. Antibiotics are used when a bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed; they do not directly dissolve a salivary stone.
Pain relief may also be recommended depending on your symptoms and medical history.
4. Salivary Stone Removal
If a stone remains lodged in the duct or repeatedly causes symptoms, a procedure may be needed.
Depending on its size and location, the stone may be removed through the opening of the duct or by another minimally invasive technique.
5. Sialendoscopy
Sialendoscopy is a procedure that uses a very small endoscope to examine the salivary duct. Special instruments may be passed through the scope to help remove a stone in suitable cases.
This technique can sometimes treat the obstruction while preserving the affected gland.
6. Surgery
Surgery may be considered when a stone is too large, deeply lodged, difficult to reach, or unsuitable for less invasive treatment.
The recommended procedure depends on the stone’s location and the condition of the gland. Removal of the entire salivary gland is not necessary in every case.
Your ENT specialist can explain the available options, expected recovery, and potential risks before recommending treatment.
Can Salivary Gland Stones Go Away on Their Own?
Yes, some small salivary gland stones pass naturally, especially if they are located near the opening of a duct. Symptoms may improve when the obstruction clears and saliva begins flowing normally again.
However, larger stones or those lodged deeper inside a duct may not pass without treatment.
If swelling keeps returning during meals, the stone may still be obstructing saliva flow even if the discomfort temporarily settles.
Avoid trying to remove a stone with sharp objects or applying force to the gland. If symptoms persist or recur, seek medical assessment to determine whether a procedure is needed.
When Should You See an ENT Specialist?
Occasional mild discomfort may settle, but recurring swelling beneath the jaw or around the cheek should not be ignored.
Arrange an ENT consultation if:
- Your jaw repeatedly swells when you eat.
- You experience recurring pain beneath the jaw or tongue.
- You notice a persistent lump near a salivary gland.
- Saliva flow appears reduced on one side.
- Symptoms keep returning despite conservative measures.
- You develop fever, redness, or increasing tenderness.
Seek urgent medical care if you develop rapidly worsening swelling, severe pain with fever, or difficulty swallowing. Any breathing difficulty requires emergency attention.
A head and neck specialist can assess the affected area, determine whether a salivary stone is responsible, and recommend suitable investigations or treatment.
Final Thoughts
Salivary gland stones can cause swelling, pressure, and pain that become more noticeable when you eat. These symptoms occur because saliva production increases during meals, but a blocked duct prevents it from draining normally.
If you notice repeated swelling under your jaw, pain beneath your tongue, or a lump near your cheek that comes and goes, arrange an assessment with an ENT specialist. Early evaluation can help identify the cause and determine whether conservative care, a minimally invasive procedure, or surgery is appropriate.
The right treatment depends on the size and location of the stone and whether complications have developed. With an accurate diagnosis and suitable care, many people can find relief from recurring salivary gland symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are salivary gland stones serious?
Many salivary stones are treatable and do not cause serious complications. However, persistent obstruction can lead to recurrent inflammation or infection, so ongoing symptoms should be evaluated.
Why does my jaw hurt only when I eat?
Eating stimulates saliva production. If a salivary duct is blocked, pressure may build up behind the obstruction, causing pain or swelling. Other conditions can produce similar symptoms, so an examination may be needed.
Can drinking water help salivary gland stones?
Staying hydrated supports normal saliva production and may help in some mild cases. However, drinking water cannot reliably remove every stone, particularly if it is large or firmly lodged in a duct.
Do all salivary gland stones need surgery?
No. Some small stones pass naturally or can be removed through less invasive procedures. Surgery may be recommended for selected stones that cannot be managed through other methods.
Which doctor treats salivary gland stones?
An ENT specialist with experience in salivary gland and head and neck conditions can assess the problem and discuss appropriate treatment options.
