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Salivary gland stones

Sialolithiasis · Kameny slinných žláz (sialolitiáza)

What it is

Calcium stones block a salivary duct — usually under the jaw — so the gland swells at every meal.

Symptoms & signs

  • Swelling under the jaw at mealtimes
  • pain when eating
  • a hard lump under the tongue
  • dry mouth
  • pus and fever if infected

🚩 Get help if…

  • call 112 / 911 now Swelling spreading under the jaw with difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • see a doctor soon Fever with a red, painful gland or pus in the mouth
  • see a doctor soon A hard swelling that stays between meals
  • see a doctor soon Face weakness or numbness with a swollen gland

Where it strikes

Medical treatment

  • Fluids and sialogogues (sour sweets) to flush small stones
  • gland massage and warm compresses
  • antibiotics if infected
  • sialendoscopy to remove the stone
  • gland removal as a last resort

Natural & lifestyle

  • Drink plenty of water
  • suck lemon drops
  • good mouth hygiene

Emerging & experimental

  • Laser and shockwave lithotripsy through the endoscope
  • botulinum toxin for chronic sialadenitis

Alternative, off-label & anecdotal

Approaches used outside the guidelines, with what their supporters report and what testing has found so far.

  • Lemon juice and vitamin C to 'dissolve' stones — the sour taste flushes the duct; nothing dissolves the stone anecdotal / traditional
  • Apple cider vinegar drinks — anecdotal anecdotal / traditional

ICD codes