What Is a Submandibular Gland Stone? Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
By the Best ENT Clinic in Dubai 🇦🇪
Have you ever noticed pain or swelling under your jaw while eating? It could be a submandibular gland stone, a common yet often overlooked salivary gland issue.
At our leading ENT clinic in Dubai, we specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions like these with precision and care.
In this blog, we’ll explain:
✅ What submandibular gland stones are
✅ Common symptoms and causes
✅ How we diagnose and treat them
✅ Prevention tips from ENT specialists/consultant
Let’s break it down 👇
💡 What Is a Submandibular Gland Stone?
A submandibular gland stone, also known as a sialolith, is a calcified deposit that forms inside the salivary duct or the submandibular gland (located beneath your jaw). These stones can block the flow of saliva, causing swelling, pain, and sometimes infection.
Among all salivary glands, the submandibular gland is the most common site for stone formation. Why? Because:
- It produces thicker saliva
- The duct (Wharton’s duct) travels upward, making flow slower
- Saliva here contains higher calcium and phosphate, increasing risk of stone formation
🛑 What Causes Submandibular Gland Stones?
There isn’t always one single cause, but risk factors include:
- 🥤 Dehydration
- 💊 Certain medications that reduce saliva
- 😷 Frequent infections or inflammation
- 🦷 Poor oral hygiene
- 💤 Reduced saliva flow, especially at night
When saliva gets trapped and doesn’t flow properly, minerals can crystallize and form a stone.
⚠️ Symptoms to Watch For
You may have a submandibular stone if you notice:
- 😣 Pain or swelling under the jaw, especially while eating
- 🤕 A hard lump in the floor of the mouth or neck
- 🥴 Dry mouth or bad taste
- 🟡 Pus discharge from the salivary duct (in case of infection)
- 🕒 Swelling that comes and goes, especially at mealtimes
🔍 How Is It Diagnosed?
There are several tools to confirm the diagnosis:
- 👩⚕️ Physical exam – feeling the floor of the mouth or under the jaw
- 🧪 Ultrasound – non-invasive and commonly used
- 🦷 X-rays or CT scan – especially for deeper stones
- 📹 Sialendoscopy – a tiny camera inserted into the duct for both diagnosis and treatment
🩺 Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the size and location of the stone:
✅ Conservative Care (for smaller stones)
- 💦 Drink plenty of fluids
- 🍋 Suck on sour candies to boost saliva flow
- 🧼 Maintain good oral hygiene
- 🔥 Apply warm compresses and gentle massage
🏥 In-Clinic Procedures
- 🔎 Sialendoscopy – minimally invasive, no incision needed
- ✂️ Stone extraction through the duct
- 🛑 In rare cases, gland removal may be necessary if stones are large or recurrent
Early treatment helps prevent infection and long-term complications.
🛡️ How to Prevent Submandibular Gland Stones
Prevention is always better than cure! Follow these tips:
- Stay hydrated throughout the day
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene
- Avoid smoking
- Stimulate natural saliva flow with sour foods occasionally
- Avoid unnecessary medications that reduce saliva production
👨⚕️ When to See an ENT Doctor
If you have persistent jaw pain, swelling, or trouble swallowing, don’t wait. Visit your nearest ENT clinic for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment.
At ENT Clinic of Excellence in Dubai, we provide advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive treatments for salivary gland stones. Book your consultation today and get relief fast!
📞 Book Your ENT Consultation Today
Don’t ignore persistent jaw pain or swelling. A submandibular stone could be the cause, and early treatment prevents complications.
📞 Call us now or 📲 book an appointment online
📍 Convenient location in Dubai | 🕒 Open Saturday to Thursday