When a gland under your jaw puffs up as soon as you start eating and then slowly goes down afterwards, a stone in the saliva duct is one of the most likely explanations. The stone, called a sialolith, stops saliva draining freely, so the gland swells each time food sets saliva flowing. Small stones sometimes pass with simple measures, while others need to be removed.
We cover this condition in one place, so the detail is kept up to date in a single article: Salivary gland stones: why the gland swells at mealtimes and how they are treated. It explains why most stones form in the gland under the jaw, how to tell a simple blockage from an infection, the gentle measures that may help a small stone move, and how stones are found and removed.
If the swelling has become constant, hot or red, or you have a fever, the gland may be infected. Our articles on sialadenitis and tonsil stones cover two related problems that are sometimes confused with salivary stones.
A dentist at Lumi can examine a swollen gland and arrange a referral if a stone needs removing. Visit our general dentist page or our current deals page to book an appointment.
