Saliva-producing organs: Anatomy, function, and beyond
The human body is equipped with a complex system of glands responsible for producing essential fluids. Among these, the salivary glands play a crucial role, particularly in digestion and oral health.
Located below a person's jaw, the submandibular glands are the second-largest salivary glands. Just in front of and below the ears, the parotid glands are the largest. The remaining salivary glands, the sublingual, are found beneath the tongue and produce the remainder of a person's saliva.
Major salivary glands produce most of a person's saliva, which serves multiple purposes. It helps in chewing and swallowing food, lubricating the surfaces within the mouth, and facilitating speech. Saliva also plays a protective role against infections, containing compounds with antimicrobial properties like lysozymes, hydrogen peroxide, and lactoferrin.
However, various conditions can affect salivary glands, causing discomfort and potential health issues. One such condition is Sjogren's syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects certain glands, including the salivary glands. Symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome include dry mouth, dry eyes, muscle pain, fatigue, joint pain, and damage to the kidneys, lungs, and nervous system.
Another common problem is the formation of salivary gland stones. These small stones can block the flow of saliva out of the glands, leading to symptoms such as swelling, pain, and infection around the stone.
Mumps, a contagious viral infection, can also cause swelling in the salivary glands, resulting in puffy cheeks and a swollen jaw. Common symptoms of a salivary gland infection include swelling of the salivary gland, malaise, fever, headache, muscle aches and pains, and thick saliva.
Disruptions in saliva secretion can increase a person's risk of developing conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, candidiasis, yeast infections, and respiratory tract infections.
If a person experiences any symptoms related to their salivary glands, such as dry mouth, bad taste in the mouth, difficulty opening the mouth, swelling in the face or neck, swelling under the tongue, numbness or weakness of the face, pain in the face or mouth, a lump in the mouth, cheek, jaw, lip, or ear, or fluid that drains from the ear, they should consider speaking with a doctor who can help identify any underlying causes.
In some cases, salivary gland cancer may develop. Symptoms of salivary gland cancer include a lump that may be painless in the cheek, inside the mouth, jaw, lip, ear, difficulty swallowing, fluid draining from the ear, difficulty opening the mouth wide, pain in the face that does not go away, numbness or weakness in the face, and benign (noncancerous) masses can also form in the salivary glands.
A healthcare professional may discover salivary gland cancer during a regular dental exam or a physical exam. It's important to note that the MMR vaccine can help reduce the risk of experiencing mumps, and secondary infections of the salivary glands can occur if a person has an infection of the lymph nodes due to a cold or sore throat.
In conclusion, understanding the role and potential issues affecting salivary glands is essential for maintaining oral health and overall well-being. If you experience any symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
