Should we know exactly about the salivary glands in our mouth?

You probably haven't thought much about the 'saliva' that helps keep our mouths from drying out when we eat and talk, right? But this saliva is a very important substance in our body. If it is missing, it would be very difficult not only to swallow food, but also to speak. So how is this saliva produced? Today we are going to talk about the salivary glands that help in this.

Simply put, what are these salivary glands?

Salivary glands are small organs inside our mouths that produce saliva. Just like water comes from a water pump, these glands constantly produce the saliva our mouth needs. This saliva keeps our mouth and throat moist. It also helps us swallow and digest the food we eat.

There are two main types of salivary glands inside our mouths:

• Three major glands
• Hundreds of minor glands

What are the main functions of salivary glands?

The main job of the salivary glands is to make saliva. This is a bigger job than you might think.

This much saliva can do a lot for our oral health as well as the health of our entire body. For example:

• Makes food easier to swallow: Saliva moistens food, softens it, and makes it easier to pass down the throat.
• Helps with digestion: Saliva contains an enzyme called 'Amylase' . This helps to start digesting the starches in the food we eat before they even reach the stomach.
• Keeps the mouth clean: Saliva helps wash away particles and germs left behind in the food we eat.
• Protects teeth from decay: Saliva provides the teeth with necessary minerals and neutralizes acids that are harmful to the teeth, protecting them from cavities.

Where are these glands located? How big are they?

The locations and sizes of these three major glands and the minor glands in our mouth vary slightly. Let's look at the table below to understand this clearly.

What is the internal structure of the salivary glands?

These glands are made up of specialized groups of cells. These cells are what produce the enzymes and mucus we talked about earlier. For example, if we take the largest gland, the parotid gland, it is divided into two main parts. That is, the part above the facial nerve , which is a major nerve that controls the movements of our face, and the part below it.

What are the common conditions that can affect the salivary glands?

Although the salivary glands perform such an important function, they can sometimes develop various diseases and problems. Don't be alarmed when you hear these. Most of these are things that can be treated and cured.

• Sialolithiasis: Similar to kidney stones, small stones can form in the salivary glands or ducts that carry saliva. This can block the flow of saliva, causing pain and swelling.
• Salivary gland dysfunction: This is when the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva, leading to chronic dry mouth.
• Sialadenitis: Bacterial infections can cause the salivary glands to become swollen, red, and painful.
• Salivary gland neoplasm/tumor: Sometimes benign (non-cancerous) tumors can develop in these glands.
• Salivary gland cancer: Very rarely, these tumors can become cancerous.

Why do some people have dry mouths? (Salivary gland dysfunction)

There are several reasons why the salivary glands may not produce saliva properly.

• Certain medical conditions: There is a type of autoimmune disorder , which means that our body's own immune system attacks our own body. Diseases like Sjögren's syndrome , lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis can cause decreased saliva production.
• Cancer treatment: Radiation therapy and chemotherapy , especially for head and neck cancers, can damage the salivary glands and reduce saliva production.
• Infections: Infectious conditions such as HIV and AIDS .
• Some medications: Some medications we take can cause dry mouth as a side effect. For example, antihistamines, antidepressants, and some medications for Parkinson's disease.

Common symptoms that can indicate a problem with the salivary glands

If there is a problem with the salivary glands, the main symptom is dry mouth . In addition, you may also see symptoms such as:

• Difficulty swallowing food
• Difficulty opening the mouth
• Fever
• A lump-like swelling under the chin or near the ear

Is there anything I can do at home if my salivary glands are blocked?

Salivary stones can block the salivary glands. If this happens, you can sometimes try these simple things at home.

• Drink plenty of water: Drinking a lot of water throughout the day increases saliva production, and that pressure can help dislodge that small stone.
• Suck on something sour: Sucking on something like a lime or lemon toffee will suddenly increase saliva production. This may also help push the stone out.
• Massage gently: Gently massaging the area where you think the stone is may also help.

The salivary glands are small but important organs in our bodies. They help us with everything from helping us digest food to keeping our teeth healthy and beautiful. So, if you have persistent dry mouth, or if you have pain or swelling in your face or jaw, don't ignore it. Talk to your doctor right away. He or she can figure out what's really going on and recommend the right treatment for you.

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