What Is Submandibular Sialadenitis? Causes, Symptoms

Submandibular sialadenitis is a condition where the submandibular salivary gland becomes inflamed. This gland is located beneath the jaw and plays a crucial role in producing saliva to aid in digestion. The inflammation can be caused by various factors, such as blockage of the salivary duct due to a stone or infection, poor oral hygiene leading to bacterial growth, or dehydration causing thickened saliva that cannot flow properly.

Understanding the underlying cause of submandibular sialadenitis is essential for effective management and prevention of recurrent episodes. It is important to seek medical advice if you experience symptoms related to this condition for proper evaluation and treatment.

What Are the Symptoms of Submandibular Sialadenitis

Submandibular sialadenitis, an inflammation of the salivary gland under the jaw, can cause various symptoms. Patients may experience pain and tenderness in the affected area, along with swelling and redness. Difficulty opening the mouth fully and chewing, as well as a foul taste in the mouth, are also common. Some individuals may have fever, pus drainage into the mouth, and even visible swelling in the neck. If you notice these symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.

Swelling and tenderness under the jaw, often accompanied by pain, are common symptoms of submandibular sialadenitis.
Difficulty opening the mouth fully due to swelling of the salivary gland can be a symptom of submandibular sialadenitis.
Fever and chills may occur in cases of submandibular sialadenitis, indicating an inflammatory response in the body.
Pus drainage from the duct opening in the mouth can be a symptom of an infected submandibular gland.
Difficulty swallowing, especially when eating or drinking, can be a symptom of submandibular sialadenitis due to gland inflammation.

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

Causes of Submandibular Sialadenitis

Factors contributing to this condition include dehydration, poor oral hygiene, smoking, autoimmune disorders, and the presence of salivary gland stones. Additionally, viral infections such as mumps or influenza can also trigger sialadenitis. The accumulation of bacteria in the ducts can result in pain, swelling, and difficulty in swallowing. Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications and relieve symptoms associated with submandibular sialadenitis.

Submandibular sialadenitis can be caused by salivary gland stones blocking the ducts, leading to infection and inflammation in the gland.
Bacterial infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus species, can infect the submandibular gland and result in sialadenitis.
Poor oral hygiene practices can contribute to the development of sialadenitis in the submandibular gland due to increased bacterial growth.
Autoimmune conditions like Sjögren's syndrome can cause inflammation and damage to the salivary glands, including the submandibular gland.
Dehydration or reduced saliva flow can predispose individuals to submandibular sialadenitis as stagnant.

Types Of Submandibular Sialadenitis

Submandibular sialadenitis, inflammation of the submandibular salivary gland, can be categorised into acute and chronic types. Acute submandibular sialadenitis typically presents with sudden onset pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area, often triggered by a blockage in the salivary duct due to a stone or infection. Chronic submandibular sialadenitis involves recurrent episodes of inflammation, which may lead to the formation of a persistent swelling or abscess. Proper diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent complications and ensure optimal outcomes for patients experiencing submandibular sialadenitis.

Acute Submandibular Sialadenitis is a sudden inflammation of the submandibular salivary gland often caused by a bacterial infection.
Chronic Submandibular Sialadenitis is a long-term condition characterised by recurrent episodes of inflammation in the submandibular salivary gland.
Obstructive Submandibular Sialadenitis occurs when a blockage in the salivary duct prevents proper drainage of saliva, leading to gland inflammation.
Autoimmune Submandibular Sialadenitis is a type where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the submandibular salivary gland, causing inflammation.
Calculous Submandibular Sialadenitis is caused by the formation of

Risk Factors

Submandibular sialadenitis, an inflammation of the submandibular salivary gland, can be influenced by various risk factors. These may include dehydration, poor oral hygiene leading to bacterial infection, the presence of salivary gland stones obstructing saliva flow, autoimmune conditions, such as Sjogren's syndrome, and medical treatments like radiation therapy. Other potential contributors to submandibular sialadenitis risk can include smoking, certain medications that reduce saliva production, and underlying medical conditions that compromise the immune system. Being aware of these risk factors can help individuals take preventive measures and seek timely medical intervention if necessary.

Poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of developing submandibular sialadenitis due to bacterial buildup in the salivary glands.
Dehydration may contribute to submandibular sialadenitis as insufficient fluid intake can lead to thicker saliva, making blockages more likely.
Smoking is a risk factor for submandibular sialadenitis as it can reduce salivary flow and compromise the function of the salivary glands.
Certain medications, such as antihistamines or anticholinergics, can predispose individuals to submandibular sialadenitis by reducing saliva production.
Chronic medical conditions like Sjögren's syndrome or diabetes can increase the risk of developing Submandibular Sialadenitis.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

Diagnosis of Submandibular Sialadenitis

Imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans may be ordered to visualise the salivary glands and identify any blockages or inflammation. In some cases, a sialogram, which involves injecting a contrast dye into the salivary ducts, may be performed to assess the flow of saliva. Additionally, blood tests can help rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. These diagnostic methods collectively help confirm the presence of submandibular sialadenitis and guide appropriate treatment.

Submandibular sialadenitis is diagnosed through physical examination of the neck and jaw area, checking for swelling or tenderness.
Blood tests may be done to check for elevated levels of white blood cells or infection markers.
Imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scans can help visualise the submandibular glands for signs of inflammation.
Salivary gland scintigraphy may be used to assess salivary gland function and detect any blockages.
A sialogram, a special X-ray using contrast dye, can help identify blockages or other abnormalities in the salivary ducts.

Treatment for Submandibular Sialadenitis

Submandibular sialadenitis, an inflammation of the salivary gland under the jaw, typically requires a multifaceted approach to treatment. Initially, conservative measures such as warm compresses, hydration, and massage may help alleviate symptoms. Antibiotics can be prescribed if the condition is caused by bacterial infection. In cases of obstruction, sialogogues or duct manipulation techniques may be employed to help restore normal salivary flow. For recurrent or severe cases, surgical intervention like sialendoscopy or gland removal may be necessary. Proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is crucial to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy for submandibular sialadenitis.

Find Our Specialists

Book Doctor Appointment