Quick read
Key points
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Salivary gland stones (sialolithiasis) form when minerals in saliva crystallise into a small, hard stone within one of the salivary glands or their ducts, most commonly under the jaw. This can block the flow of saliva, causing pain and swelling, especially around mealtimes when saliva production increases.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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You have recurrent swelling and pain in the jaw or under the tongue, especially around meals
01 · Know
What is Salivary gland stones?
Salivary gland stones (sialolithiasis) form when minerals in saliva crystallise into a small, hard stone within one of the salivary glands or their ducts, most commonly under the jaw. This can block the flow of saliva, causing pain and swelling, especially around mealtimes when saliva production increases.
Stones vary in size, and while small ones may pass on their own, larger stones can cause a build-up of saliva behind the blockage, leading to recurrent swelling, discomfort, and sometimes infection of the gland.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Self-care advice
See your GP or dentist if you have recurrent gland swelling and pain, particularly around meals, as further investigation or removal of the stone may be needed.
03 · Act
When to see a doctor
- 1You have recurrent swelling and pain in the jaw or under the tongue, especially around meals
- 2The area becomes red, warm, or increasingly painful, suggesting infection
- 3You develop a fever alongside gland swelling
- 4Symptoms persist or worsen despite simple self-care measures
- 5You notice pus draining into the mouth from the affected gland
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Take these self-care steps
These measures can help ease symptoms, support recovery, and reduce the chance of things worsening — but they don't replace medical advice if symptoms are severe or persistent.
- 1Stay well hydrated.Drinking plenty of water supports healthy saliva flow and may help smaller stones pass on their own.
- 2Suck on sugar-free sweets or citrus segments.This stimulates saliva production, which can help flush out a stone.
- 3Gently massage the affected gland.Massaging from the back of the gland toward the duct opening, as advised by your dentist or doctor, can help move a stone along.
- 4Take pain relief if needed.Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage discomfort while the stone passes or is treated.
- 5Seek treatment for infection promptly.Antibiotics may be needed if the gland becomes infected, so don't delay seeking assessment if symptoms suggest this.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Salivary gland stones ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Many salivary gland stones pass on their own with simple measures, but larger or recurrent stones may need removal by a specialist.
Staying well hydrated and stimulating saliva flow with sour or sugar-free sweets can help smaller stones pass naturally.