Salivary gland infections, also known as sialadenitis, are often bacterial in nature, but in some cases they are caused by viruses. In both cases, they are usually caused by a reduction in the flow of saliva, due to an obstruction in one or more of the six salivary glands in the mouth. An accurate medical diagnosis and correct treatments are important if you suspect that you have this condition, but there are some simple remedies you can try at home, such as drinking lemon water or applying warm compresses, to help you heal.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Receive Medical Treatments
Step 1. Take prescription antibiotics for bacterial infections
Almost all salivary gland infections caused by obstruction of one or more salivary ducts, a condition known as sialadenitis, are bacterial in nature. This means that your doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic as the first treatment. In that case, take the medication as ordered by the doctor, even if you start to feel better.
- The most commonly used antibiotics for salivary gland infections include dicloxacillin, clindamycin, and vancomycin.
- Possible side effects include diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, and abdominal pain. Some people develop mild allergy symptoms, such as itchy skin or cough.
- If you experience severe abdominal pain, vomit often or develop a severe allergic reaction, for example with breathing problems, go to the emergency room right away.
Step 2. Use antibacterial mouthwash if advised by your doctor
In addition to an antibiotic to be taken orally, your doctor may also prescribe a mouthwash to help eliminate bacteria in the salivary glands. In this case, use it as directed.
For example, you will often be instructed to rinse your mouth 3 times a day with a 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash. Just rinse your mouth with the medication for the time indicated, then spit it out
Step 3. Treat the root cause of viral salivary gland infection
If you are diagnosed with a viral infection, it is not possible to cure it with antibiotics. In this case, your doctor will focus on the underlying problem, such as mumps or the flu, and provide you with treatments that can manage the symptoms of sialadenitis.
In addition to the flu and mumps, other viral diseases such as HIV and herpes can cause salivary gland infections. So can some conditions like Sjögren's syndrome (an autoimmune disease), sarcoidosis, and radiation therapy for mouth cancer
Step 4. Ask for sialoendoscopy to treat obstructions
This is a relatively new treatment that involves the use of a tiny camera and tools for diagnosing and treating salivary gland infections. With sialoendoscopy, obstructions and infected areas can be removed in some cases to accelerate healing.
Scialoendoscopy is an outpatient procedure with a high success rate, but it is not available in all areas because it has only recently been introduced and not all doctors are trained to use it
Step 5. Consider surgery for severe or relapsing infections
If a salivary duct obstruction is chronic or causes serious complications, the best treatment may be to remove the gland with an operation. You have three pairs of major salivary glands: parotid, submandibular, and sublingual. As a result, removing one does not significantly reduce saliva production.
This type of surgery takes only 30 minutes, but must be performed under general anesthesia and involves hospitalization for one night. Full recovery takes about a week and the risk of complications is minimal
Method 2 of 3: Integrate Medical Treatments at Home
Step 1. Drink 8-10 glasses of lemon water a day
Keeping the body well hydrated makes it easier to produce saliva and this can help fight the infection and clear the blockage. Also, sour foods increase saliva production, so put a lemon wedge or two in the water you drink for a double benefit.
Drinking plain water with lemon is the best choice, when compared to sugary drinks like lemonade, which are bad for your teeth and overall health
Step 2. Suck on lemon candies or lemon slices
Sour candies increase saliva production, but only choose sugar-free products to protect your teeth. For a more natural and even more tart remedy, cut a lemon into slices and suck it throughout the day.
Step 3. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
Add half a tablespoon of table salt to 250 ml of warm water. Take small sips, use them to rinse your mouth for a few seconds, then spit. Don't swallow the water.
- Repeat about 3 times a day or as often as your doctor directs.
- Salt water helps fight infections and can give you temporary pain relief.
Step 4. Apply warm compresses to the cheek or jaw
Soak a washcloth with warm, but not hot, water, then place it against your skin, outside where the infected gland is. Hold it until it cools down.
- You can usually repeat the application as often as desired, if you do not receive different instructions from your doctor.
- Warm compresses help reduce swelling and offer temporary pain relief.
- Infections most often affect the salivary glands at the back of the mouth, so the tablet is usually kept under the ear.
Step 5. Massage your cheeks or jaw with your fingers
Using gentle pressure, move two fingers in a circle on the skin outside the infected gland, for example under the ear. Repeat the massage whenever you want, or as directed by your doctor.
Massaging the area can help relieve pain, swelling, and clear the blockage
Step 6. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as advised by your doctor
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen help relieve pain due to salivary gland infections, as well as reduce the fever that can result from the infection.
- Although almost everyone has these medications at home, it's best to check with your doctor before taking them for a salivary gland infection.
- Take the medication as directed on the package and by your doctor.
Step 7. Contact your doctor again if your condition worsens
Serious complications are rare with salivary gland infections, but they can occur. If you get a high fever (above 39 ° C for adults) or if you start having difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to the emergency room.
- If you have trouble breathing, your life is in danger.
- These symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread.
Method 3 of 3: Reduce the Chances of Getting a Salivary Gland Infection
Step 1. Maintain mouth hygiene
There is no way to completely prevent salivary gland infections, but reducing the amount of bacteria in your mouth with proper dental care helps a lot. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss regularly, and go to the dentist at least once or twice a year.
Step 2. Drink lots of water every day
The more water you drink, the more saliva you are able to produce. This reduces the chances of an obstruction of the salivary ducts and consequently of an infection.
Still water is the best choice for your hydration. Sugary drinks are bad for your teeth and health in general, while caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate you
Step 3. Don't smoke or chew tobacco
Here is another of the thousand reasons why you should quit smoking, chew tobacco or why you shouldn't start. Using tobacco introduces bacteria and toxins into your mouth, which can lead to salivary gland infections.
- Using tobacco increases the risk of developing cancer in one of the salivary glands.
- In addition to salivary gland infections, chewing tobacco can cause cancer in those glands. Talk to your doctor if you feel a mass near the jaw, under the ear, or in the lower cheek.
- If you live in Italy, you can call the anti-smoking freephone on 800 554 088.
Step 4. Get vaccinated against mumps
This disease was a major cause of viral salivary gland infections. However, widespread use of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) has greatly reduced the incidence of the problem.
In Italy, children usually receive the first dose of MMR vaccine between the ages of 12 and 15 months, while the second dose is given between the ages of 5 and 6. If you weren't vaccinated as a child, talk to your doctor right away
Step 5. Visit your doctor if you have any potential symptoms
Salivary gland infection can cause common symptoms such as fever and chills. However, you can also warn:
- Pus discharge in the mouth, which often tastes bad
- Recurrent or constant dry mouth
- Pain when you open your mouth or when you eat
- Difficulty opening the mouth completely
- Redness or swelling in the face or neck, especially under the ear or jaw.
Step 6. Get tested to see if you have a salivary gland infection
In many cases, your doctor can diagnose this condition with a simple visual examination and analysis of your symptoms. However, in some cases, he will use ultrasound, a CT scan, or MRI to study the area more carefully before making the definitive diagnosis.
