What Causes a Swollen Salivary Gland? | Dubai’s Best ENT Clinic Explains
When you think of saliva, you probably don’t give much thought to where it comes from. But your salivary glands do more than just help you chew — they play a vital role in digestion, oral health, and immunity. At ENT Clinic of Excellence, recognized as the best ENT clinic in Dubai, we diagnose and treat salivary gland problems with expert care and modern technology.
Let’s explore the causes, symptoms, and next steps if you’re dealing with a swollen salivary gland. 👇
🧠 What Are Salivary Glands?
Your salivary glands are small but essential organs located in your mouth and throat. They produce saliva, which helps with:
🥗 Digesting food
🦠 Fighting bacteria and infections
💬 Keeping your mouth moist for speaking and swallowing
🦷 Protecting your teeth from decay
You have three major pairs of salivary glands:
- Parotid glands – near the ears
- Submandibular glands – under the jaw
- Sublingual glands – beneath the tongue
You also have many minor salivary glands scattered throughout your mouth and throat.
🚨 What Causes a Swollen Salivary Gland?
A swollen gland usually means that something is blocking or irritating it. Common causes include:
🔹 Salivary gland stones (sialolithiasis)
🔹 Bacterial or viral infections
🔹 Cysts or benign tumors
🔹 Poor hydration or oral hygiene
🔹 Autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome
These conditions can disrupt normal saliva flow, leading to pain, swelling, and sometimes infection.
👀 Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
A swollen salivary gland may appear suddenly or grow over time. Be on the lookout for:
🧊 Swelling or tenderness near the cheek, jaw, or under the tongue
💦 Dry mouth or reduced saliva flow
🦠 Foul taste or pus in the mouth
😣 Pain when eating or swallowing
🌡️ Fever, chills, or general discomfort
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it’s time to consult an ENT doctor in Dubai.
🏠 What to Do at Home (While Waiting for Your Appointment)
To ease symptoms before seeing a doctor:
✅ Apply a warm compress to the swollen area
✅ Gently massage the gland in circular motions
✅ Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water
✅ Suck on sour candies or lemon drops to stimulate saliva
✅ Maintain excellent oral hygiene
🚫 Avoid pressing or popping the area — this can worsen the infection.
🩺 When to See an ENT Specialist in Dubai
If the swelling:
- Persists beyond 24–48 hours
- Becomes more painful
- Is accompanied by pus, fever, or difficulty eating
…you need professional evaluation and treatment.
At ENT Clinic of Excellence, we offer:
🖥️ Ultrasound & high-resolution imaging
💊 Targeted medical treatments (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories)
🧬 Biopsy or minor procedures for cysts or unusual lumps
💬 Personalized care plans for long-term health
🌟 Why Choose ENT Clinic of Excellence – The Best ENT Clinic in Dubai?
✔️ Experienced ENT consultant with subspecialty training
✔️ Gentle, effective, and evidence-based treatments
✔️ Child and adult ENT services
✔️ Multilingual team & modern, welcoming environment
✔️ Centrally located in Dubai Healthcare City
Whether you’re facing a one-time swelling or chronic salivary issues, we’re here to help you feel better — fast.
📅 Book Your Appointment Today
Don’t ignore a swollen salivary gland — the sooner you treat it, the quicker you’ll feel relief.
📞 Call or WhatsApp: +971 50 248 0249
📍 Visit us: Dubai Healthcare City
🌐 Website: www.entclinic.ae
📸 Instagram DM: @entclinic.ae
Healthy salivary glands = a healthy smile.
Trust your care to the best ENT clinic in Dubai. 💙