What do your salivary glands do, and what happens when they don't work right?

A dry mouth or a swollen spot near your jaw doesn't automatically mean something serious. Often, it just means your salivary glands, the small organs that make your saliva, aren't working quite the way they should. Saliva helps you chew, taste and swallow food while protecting your teeth and mouth. When these glands do not work well, you may notice dryness, swelling, pain or a change in taste. 

What you will learn in this article: 

• Your mouth has three main pairs of salivary glands, along with many smaller glands. 

• Saliva helps you chew and swallow while protecting your teeth. 

• Dry mouth, swelling, pain or a change in taste can point to a gland problem. 

• A dental provider can check how these symptoms are affecting your mouth and help you find the right next step. 

If you've noticed swelling, dryness or pain near your jaw or ears, schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider. Your care team can check your glands and help find out what's going on. 

Where are your salivary glands, and what do they do? 

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research explains that your mouth has three main pairs of glands that make saliva. The parotid glands are on each side of your face near your ears. The submandibular glands are below your jaw, and the sublingual glands are under your tongue. Many smaller glands are spread throughout your mouth. 

Saliva travels from these glands into your mouth through small tubes called ducts. It makes food easier to chew and swallow and helps keep your mouth clean.¹ 

Why does saliva matter for your mouth? 

Your mouth relies on saliva for more than comfort. It softens food and makes it easier to chew and swallow. Saliva also clears food from your teeth and provides minerals that help keep enamel strong. 

When your mouth stays dry, chewing, swallowing and speaking may become harder. Too little saliva can also raise your risk of cavities and fungal infections.² 

What causes dry mouth or low saliva flow? 

Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, can happen for many reasons. Feeling dry once in a while, such as during stress, does not always signal a lasting problem. 

Dryness that continues may be linked to medicines, Sjögren disease, diabetes, radiation treatment, certain cancer treatments or nerve damage. A dental provider or doctor can review your medicines and health history to help find the cause.² 

What are signs your salivary glands aren't working right? 

Possible signs include: 

• A mouth that often feels dry or sticky

• Trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting or speaking

• Pain in your face or mouth

• Swelling in your face, neck or beneath your tongue

• An unpleasant taste or trouble opening your mouth

• A lump near your ear, cheek, jaw, lip or elsewhere in your mouth

Swelling can come from a blocked duct or infection. A painless lump or swelling that grows quickly, does not go away or comes with facial numbness or weakness should be checked promptly.¹ Learn more about what may cause a swollen gland near your ear or jaw. 

How do dental providers check for salivary gland problems? 

Your dental provider will ask when your symptoms began and review your health conditions and medicines. They will look inside your mouth and may check your saliva, teeth and gums. 

If you have swelling, a lump or signs of a blocked duct, your dental provider may refer you to a doctor or an ear, nose and throat specialist. An X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan or MRI may be used to look for the cause. Some conditions may also require blood tests, a saliva test or a small tissue sample. 

How are salivary gland problems treated? 

Treatment depends on the cause. Sipping water, chewing sugarless gum or using a saliva substitute may ease dry mouth. If a medicine may be causing the dryness, ask the clinician who prescribed it before making any changes. 

The American Dental Association notes that pilocarpine and cevimeline are prescription medicines that may increase saliva and ease dryness caused by Sjögren disease. It also cites guidelines recommending topical fluoride for people with Sjögren disease and dry mouth to help prevent cavities.³ 

A stone that blocks a duct may need to be removed by a doctor. An infection, ongoing swelling or a lump may require medical treatment or care from an ear, nose and throat specialist. 

If dry mouth, swelling or a change in taste continues, contact your local dental provider. Your care team can check how the problem is affecting your mouth and help you find the right next step. 

What do your salivary glands do, and what happens when they don't work right? FAQs 

Still have questions about salivary glands? These answers cover a few common concerns. 

Can stress affect my salivary glands? 

Stress can make your mouth feel dry for a short time. If the dryness keeps coming back or does not improve, tell your dental provider or doctor. 

Is a swollen salivary gland always serious? 

Not always. Most swelling comes from something manageable, like a blocked duct or a passing infection, and it settles down with treatment. What matters more than the swelling itself is how it behaves: Get it checked promptly if it grows quickly, doesn't go away or comes with facial numbness or weakness. 

Can salivary stones cause gland swelling? 

Yes. A stone can block a duct and lead to pain, swelling or infection. Stones are one possible cause, but they are not the only reason a gland may swell. 

Can drinking more water alone fix a salivary gland problem? 

Water may ease everyday dryness, but it may not remove a stone or open a blocked duct. A doctor may need to locate and remove the blockage. 

Should I see my dental provider or my doctor for a salivary gland issue? 

Either can be a good first stop. A dental provider can check for dry mouth and changes inside your mouth. A doctor or ear, nose and throat specialist may be needed for ongoing swelling, a lump or a possible blockage. 

Sources 

¹ National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: “Saliva & Salivary Gland Disorders.” https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/saliva-salivary-gland-disorders 

² National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: “Dry Mouth.” https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/dry-mouth 

³ American Dental Association, ADA Library and Archives: “Sjögren Disease.” https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/sjogren-disease