Salivary Glands

Salivary glands are exocrine glands that produce saliva. They also secrete a chemical known as enzymes that breaks down starch into glucose. Salivary glands are enclosed in connective tissue and internally divided into lobules. Blood vessels enter the glands and branch out into the lobules.

Components of the Salivary Glands

Parotid Glands

These are a pair of glands that are located in the subcutaneous tissues of the face. The secretion produced is serous in nature and enters the oral cavity through the Stensen’s duct. They produce about 25% of the saliva even though it is the largest of the salivary glands.

Submandibular Glands

These are a pair of glands that are located beneath the floor of the mouth. The secretion is a mixture of both serous and mucus and enters the mouth through the Wharton’s ducts. They produce about 70% of the saliva.

Sublingual Gland

These are located beneath the floor of the mouth. They produce a mainly mucus secretion. Approximately 5% of the saliva entering the oral cavity comes from these glands.

Minor Salivary Glands

They are located throughout the oral cavity. Their secretion is mainly mucus in nature and has functions such as coating the oral cavity with saliva. Most problems with dentures are associated with minor salivary glands.

Von Ebner’s Glands

These are located in the tongue and they secrete a serous fluid. They are an essential component of taste.

Conditions that affect the Salivary Glands

Some of the common salivary glands disorders include:

• Cysts - Traumatic injury, infections or salivary gland stones or tumors can cause cysts. One of the common forms is mucocele, that is a mucus filled cysts that occurs inside the lower lip,
• Benign and Malignant tumors - Risk factors include smoking, and radiation exposure. They normally occur in the parotid gland,
• Sialolithiasis - Also known as salivary gland stones. These are tiny calcium rich stones. They can cause blockage of the gland’s duct, leading to pain and swelling,
• Sialadenitis - This is a bacterial infection of the salivary gland. It is a painful infection that is usually caused by bacteria, and
• Viral Infections - Viral infections like mumps can settle in the salivary glands, causing facial swelling, pain and difficulty eating.

Saliva is used to break down the food in the digestive process both in the mouth and in the stomach. At Miracles for Men we believe it is important to have good oral health to ensure that salivary glands work at the optimum levels.

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