Every time you eat, you get a sharp pain under your jaw — right before a meal, during it, or just after. It fades, but it keeps coming back. A salivary stone might be the cause.
Salivary stones are small, hard deposits that form inside the ducts of your salivary glands. They are made of calcium and other minerals found in saliva. When they block the flow of saliva, the gland swells up — and eating becomes painful.
What does it feel like?
Pain is the most common symptom. It usually comes on suddenly when you are eating something that makes your mouth water — like citrus, vinegar, or salty foods. You may also notice swelling under your jaw or in front of your ear, or a dry, gritty feeling in your mouth.
The swelling may go down between meals and flare up again. If the stone causes a complete blockage, the gland can stay swollen and become infected — that means increased pain, redness, and sometimes a fever.
Where do these stones come from?
Doctors do not always know exactly why one person develops salivary stones and another does not. Factors that may play a role include dehydration, certain medications that reduce saliva flow, and chronic inflammation of the salivary glands.
It is more common in middle-aged adults and affects men and women equally.
How is it treated?
Small stones may work their way out on their own. Sucking on a lemon drop or sour candy can stimulate saliva flow and help dislodge the stone. Gentle massage of the affected gland sometimes helps too.
If the stone is large or causing repeated problems, your dentist can remove it in a minor procedure. In rare cases, the salivary gland itself may need to be removed if it keeps blocking or getting infected.
If you get pain under your jaw when you eat, mention it at your next dental visit. Catching it early means simpler treatment and less chance of infection.
Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com
Meads Village Dental Practice