A salivary gland infection can develop when harmful bacteria or viruses build up in the salivary glands. These are located in the head and neck and produce saliva. It typically causes swollen salivary glands and pain.
Salivary gland infections affect the paired glands on either side of the face. These include the parotid glands in front of the ears, the submandibular glands under the chin, and the sublingual glands under the tongue.
A salivary gland infection, or sialadenitis, can stem from a blockage in a saliva duct that causes inflammation. The infection can lead to pain, tenderness, and swelling.
A salivary gland infection may be bacterial or viral. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common bacterial cause of salivary gland infections.
Other bacteria and viruses that can cause an infection include:
A salivary gland infection typically develops due to a reduced flow of saliva or a blockage in a gland. Blockages can cause inflammation, making the glands more vulnerable to infection.
If salivary glands are inflamed, they tend to produce less saliva. The saliva sometimes builds up in the glands, increasing the concentration of bacteria or viruses it contains.
A salivary gland obstruction may involve:
- salivary gland stones
- salivary duct kinks
- tumors
- abnormally formed salivary glands
Anyone can develop a salivary gland infection, but they are
A reduced flow of saliva can occur in people who:
- are recovering from surgery
- are ill
- have had radiation therapy in the mouth
- have Sjögren disease
- have dry mouth
- are dehydrated
- are malnourished
- have a weakened immune system
- are taking certain medications, such as:
- antihistamines
- diuretics
- beta-blockers
- barbiturates
- antidepressants, antipsychotics, and other drugs for mental health conditions
- have an eating disorder, such as bulimia or anorexia
- have kidney failure
The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) notes that dry mouth can also occur as a result of:
- breathing through the mouth too often, especially during sleep
- anxiety
- oral thrush
- diabetes
A person has three pairs of major salivary glands, with one of each pair located on either side of the face. Any of these six glands can develop an infection.
The major salivary glands are the:
- Parotid glands: These are inside the cheeks and extend from the top of the ears into the jaw. These are the largest salivary glands.
- Submandibular glands: These are behind the lower jaw, under the tongue and chin. These are the second largest salivary glands.
- Sublingual glands: These are on either side of the tongue, deep under the floor of the mouth. These are the smallest of the major salivary glands.
The parotid and submandibular glands tend to become infected most often.
If a salivary gland infection develops very quickly, a doctor may call it “acute.” Infections related to obstructions or narrowed tubes may develop more gradually.
A person with a salivary gland infection may have:
- a fever
- chills
- pain and swelling around the affected area
- pus in the mouth
- a foul taste in the mouth
- difficulty opening the mouth, chewing, or swallowing
If a tumor has caused the obstruction that has led to the infection, the person may be able to feel a hard, firm, immobile lump in the affected area.
Seek medical attention if the symptoms:
- are very severe
- interfere with eating, drinking, or swallowing
- are very painful
- do not get any better with hydration, good oral hygiene, and other first approaches to treatment
If a person has difficulty breathing, they should receive emergency medical attention.
The symptoms may differ from person to person and depend on the severity of the inflammation and the specific glands affected.
A salivary gland infection may last around 1 week, though some minor swelling may linger for a few weeks.
Acute salivary gland infections rarely cause additional complications.
Anyone with swelling in the areas of the salivary glands should visit a healthcare professional. They
- take a medical history
- examine the swollen area
- order laboratory tests
If a doctor suspects that a tumor is contributing to the infection, they
The doctor might also use a biopsy to check for some autoimmune conditions, including Sjögren disease.
To check for a blockage or mass formation in a salivary gland, the doctor may also order imaging tests, such as:
- an ultrasound
- a CT scan
- an MRI scan
- a salivary endoscopy, also called sialoendoscopy, which involves using a thin, tube-like tool with a camera
- sialography, which involves injecting a dye that shows up on X-rays
A salivary gland infection may resolve on its own, without the use of medication. A medical professional should assess the situation and recommend the best approach.
If the infection is bacterial, they may recommend antibiotics. If it is viral, they may recommend antiviral medications.
If an abscess (a buildup of pus) is present, it may require draining. Blockages in the glands may also require additional treatment. For example, a healthcare professional may gently massage the area to remove a salivary gland stone.
Some people may need a minimally invasive procedure, such as sialoendoscopy, to repair or remove kinks or narrowed tubes that affect the flow of saliva.
If a salivary gland infection has stemmed from an autoimmune condition, the person may need additional treatment.
A doctor may recommend:
- sipping fluids regularly and staying hydrated
- eating hard candies or using chewing gum to increase the flow of saliva
- applying warm compresses
- massaging the glands
- practicing good oral hygiene
A person might also try:
- avoiding foods that stick to the roof of the mouth
- eating with small bites and chewing thoroughly
- avoiding alcoholic or acidic drinks and commercial mouthwashes
A doctor may recommend drinking less alcohol or quitting smoking. Maintaining good oral hygiene can also reduce the risk of salivary gland infections. A person
- Brush the teeth twice per day.
- Floss daily.
- Rinse out the mouth with water after eating or drinking sweetened or carbonated drinks or foods.
- Have a dental cleaning every 6 months.
A person should also avoid dehydration.
A salivary gland infection may clear up without treatment, though medications and home care techniques can help.
A severe or chronic salivary gland infection requires ongoing medical care, especially if the infection stems from an underlying medical condition.
Consult a medical professional if the infection:
- does not respond to primary care
- causes a white or red patch to form
- results in bad breath
- results in difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue
- occurs with blood in saliva or phlegm
What causes submandibular glands to swell?
Swelling around the submandibular glands may occur
- bacterial or viral infections
- obstruction
- nutritional disorders, such as vitamin deficiency
- Sjögren disease
Can a person normally feel submandibular glands?
The submandibular glands are behind the lower jaw, under the tongue and chin. A person may be able to feel them when they touch this area.
They may also feel more prominent if a person has an infection, which can cause swelling and tenderness.
What are the symptoms of a submandibular gland infection?
Symptoms of infection in the submandibular gland include:
- swelling
- tenderness
- a bad taste in the mouth
- fever
- chills
- difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing
A salivary gland infection occurs when bacteria or viruses build up in these glands due to a reduced flow of saliva, which may stem from a blockage. A person may experience a fever and chills, as well as pain and swelling in the affected area.
Treatment depends on the cause, and it may involve medication. Drinking plenty of fluids, sucking on sugarless hard candies, and applying a warm compress can help.
Anyone who finds eating difficult or has symptoms that do not resolve within about 1 week should seek medical attention.