Salivary Gland Disorders

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Salivary Gland Disorders

Patients with salivary gland disease most frequently
present with complaints of oral dryness, swelling or a
mass in a gland.

Saliva serves a variety of important functions, many of
which are not appreciated until salivary flow decreases.

Lubrication of tissue surfaces and presence of
salivary digestive enzymes (such as amylase and
lipase), help initiate and facilitate mastication
(chewing), deglutition (swallowing) and digestion.

Surface lubrication is also important in protecting the
mucosa from mechanical trauma and enhancing taste
receptor function.

Salivary buffers, enzymes and antibodies provide
protection against micro-organisms, caries (dental
decay) and demineralization of tooth enamel.

A variety of pathologic conditions, including inflammatory,
infectious and neoplastic, affect the major and minor
salivary glands, resulting in potentially significant morbidity
and diminished quality of life for the patient.