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Symptoms and courseMany patients present to their doctor with the problem of point pains in the mouth. These usually occur when swallowing food or drink and when moving the tongue. Initially they are not onerous for the patient, but over time they make it difficult for the patient to function normally. They are known professionally as salivary gland stones.
The patient goes to the doctor believing that there are problems with the throat (inflammation) or tonsils. Salivary gland stones are very often accompanied by a dry mouth and severe swelling in the throat. To date, it has not been possible to identify and quantify what is responsible for the development of this condition.
Any pain in the case of salivary gland stones is caused by the formation of deposits in the duct leading saliva out of the salivary glands. Importantly, stones can also develop in the tissues of the gland itself. As salivary gland stones impede function and cause unpleasant pain, they require treatment. Recent research shows that it affects men more often than women, around the age of 40.
Symptoms and course salivary gland stones
Observations of patients with salivary gland stones show that the stones can be caused by a disruption in saliva production, which results in increased salivary viscosity. The higher viscosity of saliva is a result of higher concentrations of calcium, mucin and also an alkaline pH. As far as the development of stones in the salivary glands is concerned, the excessively long and tortuous salivary duct contributes greatly. It has also been shown that the development of salivary gland stones can occur when a foreign body enters the salivary ducts.
Stones form due to the deposition of calcium salts around the organic centre. Bacteria, exfoliated epithelium and other foreign bodies are also deposited there. It is worth mentioning that even small-sized particles are able to block the salivary duct. This condition cannot be ignored, as it can lead to destruction of the salivary gland parenchyma. The consequence is necrosis and fibrosis. As the causes of this condition are unknown, it is not known what treatments, foods consumed, drinks drunk or medications can lead to its development. There are also no recommendations for prevention.
