A salivary gland stone, known medically as a sialolith, is a small calcified lump that blocks the duct carrying saliva into the mouth, and its classic sign is a gland that swells painfully just before or during a meal. Most stones form in the submandibular gland under the lower jaw, which accounts for the large majority of cases because its saliva is thicker and has to travel uphill. The swelling comes and goes with eating, which is what makes this condition so recognisable once you know the pattern.
Key takeaways
- A salivary stone blocks the flow of saliva, so the gland swells when saliva is stimulated by food.
- Around 8 in 10 stones form in the submandibular gland under the jaw.
- The hallmark is painful swelling at mealtimes that eases again over the following hour or two.
- Small stones often pass with hydration, gland massage, and sour stimulation.
- Larger or stuck stones may need a minor procedure such as sialendoscopy or duct surgery.
Why salivary stones form
Saliva contains minerals, mainly calcium salts. When saliva flow slows or its composition changes, those minerals can gradually crystallise around a tiny nucleus of debris and build up into a stone, in much the same way a kettle furs up. The submandibular gland is the most common site because its saliva is richer in calcium and more mucous, and because its duct runs upward against gravity, giving minerals more chance to settle.
Things that reduce saliva flow raise the risk, including dehydration, some medications that dry the mouth, and gland inflammation. A persistently dry mouth is a known contributor, which is why our guide to changes in taste and saliva is a useful companion read for anyone prone to stones.
The signs to recognise
The pattern is the giveaway. A stone that partly blocks the duct causes the gland to swell as saliva is produced at the start of a meal, because the fluid has nowhere to go. The swelling is often tender and can be quite firm, then slowly subsides once you stop eating and the trapped saliva drains away. Over time the episodes can become more frequent and more painful. If the blocked gland becomes infected, the swelling stops settling, the area turns red and hot, pus may appear at the duct opening, and you can feel unwell with a fever.
| Feature | Uncomplicated stone | Infected gland |
|---|---|---|
| Swelling | Comes and goes with meals | Constant and worsening |
| Pain | Mild to moderate, eases after eating | Throbbing, does not settle |
| Skin over gland | Normal | Red and warm |
| General health | Well | May have fever, feel unwell |
A hot, spreading swelling with fever needs prompt care, as covered in our guide to facial swelling and spreading infection.
What you can do at home for a small stone
Many small stones can be encouraged to pass with simple measures, particularly early on.
- Stay well hydrated. Plenty of water keeps saliva thinner and flowing.
- Stimulate saliva. Sucking on something sour, such as a lemon wedge or sugar-free sour lolly, triggers a strong flow that can help flush a small stone toward the duct opening.
- Massage the gland. Gently milking the gland from back toward the duct, after stimulating saliva, can help move a stone along.
- Apply warmth. A warm compress over the gland can ease discomfort and aid drainage.
These measures are worth trying for a small stone, but a stone that will not pass, keeps recurring, or leads to infection needs professional assessment.
How salivary stones are treated
If home measures do not clear it, the approach depends on the size and position of the stone. A stone sitting near the duct opening can sometimes be gently milked or eased out. Deeper or larger stones may be treated with sialendoscopy, a keyhole technique where a very fine scope is passed into the duct to locate and remove the stone, often with a basket or laser. Some cases need a small surgical incision along the duct. In the uncommon situation where a gland has been repeatedly infected and damaged, removing the whole gland may be considered. An infected gland is usually settled with antibiotics first before any stone removal.
General cost guide
Simple cases may resolve with home measures alone. Procedures vary widely with the technique used. The figures below are general Australian market ranges to help you plan, not a quote, and Lumi Dental does not list its own prices here.
| Service | General market range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Examination and consultation | $60 to $130 |
| Imaging (ultrasound or X-ray) | $100 to $300 |
| Stone removal procedure | Varies widely, often referred to a specialist |
If a gland under your jaw swells at mealtimes, the team at Lumi Dental can assess it and refer you appropriately with a written plan. See the current deals page to book.
Frequently asked questions
Where do salivary stones usually form?
Most form in the submandibular gland under the lower jaw, because its saliva is thicker and its duct runs uphill. The parotid gland in front of the ear is the next most common site, and stones in the small sublingual glands are rare.
Can a salivary stone go away on its own?
Small stones can pass by themselves, especially with hydration, sour stimulation, and gentle massage. Larger stones that are wedged in the duct usually need help to remove.
Are salivary stones dangerous?
The stone itself is not dangerous, but a blocked gland can become infected, which does need treatment. Recurring blockages can also gradually damage the gland, so a stone that keeps causing trouble should be dealt with.
What is the difference between a stone and a ranula?
A stone blocks a duct and causes mealtime swelling. A ranula is a fluid-filled swelling under the tongue from a blocked or damaged sublingual gland. Our guide to a ranula under the tongue explains that softer, bluish swelling.
How can I lower my chance of another stone?
Stay well hydrated, keep saliva flowing with sugar-free gum or the occasional sour stimulant, and manage dry mouth if you have it. Anyone who has had one stone is a little more prone to another, so these habits are worth keeping up.
The takeaway
A salivary gland stone has a very recognisable pattern of painful mealtime swelling that eases afterward. Many small stones pass with hydration, sour stimulation, and massage, while larger ones may need a minor procedure. An infected, hot, spreading swelling needs prompt care. If a gland under your jaw is swelling when you eat, the team at Lumi Dental can help. Visit our current deals page to book.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for an individual dental or medical assessment.
