If you are experiencing difficulty in swallowing along with dry mouth, foul taste and discomfort on cheeks you are probably suffering from Salivary Gland Infection. To get rid of this condition read the following article.
Salivary glands are a group of glandular masses present in the oral cavity and are responsible for secreting saliva. Saliva keeps the mouth moist and plays an essential role in chewing and swallowing.
Salivary glands are of two types:
Major salivary gland- About 80 to 90 percent saliva is produced by major salivary glands.
Minor salivary gland- Minor salivary glands produce 10 to 20 percent of saliva.
Three major pairs of salivary gland are:
Parotid gland- They are the largest pair of glands in the mouth and are located over the jaws on each cheek.
Submandibular glands- Both the glands are located at the back of the mouth on both sides of the jaw.
Sublingual glands- The pair is found under the mouth floor.
The clogged salivary gland is a significant dysfunction that leads to a wide variety of problems and commonly salivary Gland Infection. Let’s learn about it in detail.
Causes Of Salivary Gland Infection
Salivary gland infection may be viral or bacterial. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common causative agent. Viral infection such as mumps also causes swelling of salivary glands mainly parotid gland swelling. Getting immunized against mumps has however reduced the occurrence.
Stones also cause salivary gland swelling. Stones are formed due to deposition of calcium and other salts in the matrix of the gland and are responsible for blocked salivary glands and infection. The size of stone varies from 1mm to 10mm. Smaller stone does not interfere with the saliva production but may obstruct the flow of saliva.
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Risk factors
- Injury or trauma
- Improper eating habits, for example, consuming foods that decrease saliva production or irregular eating habit.
- Low water intake.
- Smoking
- Poor mouth hygiene
- Dehydration due to continuous exposure to the sun
- Health issues such as depression, anxiety
- Immunocompromised individuals
- HIV
- Medications such as anti-depressant
- Throat and oral surgeries
- Individuals above 40 years of age are more prone to salivary gland blockage and infection.
What Are The Symptoms Of Salivary Gland Infection
The list of symptoms that indicate salivary gland infection are as follows:
- Constant foul and abnormal taste in the mouth
- Inability to open mouth fully
- Pain and discomfort while eating or speaking
- Dry mouth
- Facial pain
- Pus in mouth
- Swelling and redness in front of the ear, over the jaw, bottom of mouth or below the jaw.
- Fever and chills
If you experience the above symptoms consult your health care provider for proper diagnosis and treatment
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Salivary Gland Infection treatment
To diagnose a salivary gland infection, your doctor will conduct the visual exam. To confirm the diagnosis and to determine the underlying cause further tests may be recommended.
For proper treatment, it is essential to diagnose the exact cause. The treatment depends on the underlying cause, severity of infection and the symptoms. To treat bacterial infection antibiotics are given. To ease pain and fever painkillers and antipyretic medicines are prescribed. However, in most of the cases, home remedies to get rid of salivary gland infection are enough.
Salivary Gland Infection Home Remedies
In most of the cases, salivary gland infection goes on its own, but it may return after a period of no infection. To ease the symptoms and prevent re-occurrence, try home treatment for salivary gland infection suggested below:
Aloe Vera
Being anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antiviral aloe vera is the most effective remedy.
Take an aloe vera leaf and extract its gel. Mix a pinch of turmeric to the gel and rub on the swollen area. After half an hour rinse it off with warm water. Repeat this 2-3 times in a day for a week.
Also, you need to drink 2 ounces of aloe vera juice every day to speed healing and boost up your immune system.
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Indian Lilac
Indian Lilac is also known as neem or margosa. It is antiviral and combats inflammation.
Take a handful of fresh Indian lilac leaves and wash them. Grind the leaves and make a paste. Apply the paste to the swollen area. Leave it for half an hour and clean it. Repeat this every day to reduce pain and salivary gland swelling.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration leads to dry mouth and triggers infection. Keep yourself hydrated, Drink at least ten glasses of water every day. Even if you are working in an air-conditioned room, you need to drink water.
Salt Water Gargle
Saltwater reduces swelling. Salt is a mild antiseptic, and it destroys the germs. On the other hand, water lubricates the mouth glands.
Add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water. Gargle with it three times in a day to get rid of salivary gland infection.
Note:- Do not swallow salt water. Avoid salt water gargle if you have hypertension.
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Asparagus
Asparagus is rich in nutrients and boosts body immunity. It is a natural antiviral.
Take 3 teaspoons of asparagus powder mix equal amount of fenugreek seed powder. Add water to make a paste and apply the paste to the swollen area. When it dries, wash it with a clean cloth. Repeat this two time in the day.
Lemon
Lemon is rich in vitamin C. Sour taste of lemon stimulates the flow of saliva. Drink lemon water two times in a day. Alternatively, keep a slice of lemon in your mouth. Suck it a few times and then threw it. You may also eat oranges for the same.
Warm compress
Warm compress alleviates pain and subsides swelling. Apply this remedy for 15 minutes 3 times in a day. Gently massaging salivary gland also relieves pain.
To prevent salivary gland infection in future quit smoking, brush your teeth regularly and maintain oral hygiene, avoid alcohol and also avoid too hot or too cold liquids.
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Swollen salivary gland home remedies are adjunct treatment. Do consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
The post How To Get Rid Of Salivary Gland Infection : Causes And Symptoms appeared first on Crazy Health Plan.
