Salivary glands are exocrine glands that produce saliva, a fluid important for digestion, taste, and maintaining oral health. Saliva is released through ducts into the mouth to keep tissues moist and begin breaking down food. When the normal flow of saliva is compromised, a simple, non-invasive technique called salivary gland massage can encourage flow and relieve minor discomfort. This gentle manipulation aims to push stagnant saliva or small blockages toward the duct opening.
Understanding the Salivary Glands
Humans possess three major pairs of salivary glands, each located in a distinct area of the head and neck. The largest pair is the parotid glands, situated bilaterally on the cheeks, extending from in front of the ear toward the angle of the jaw. Massage techniques for the parotid glands must be applied to the cheek area, guiding the movement toward the mouth.
The second pair, the submandibular glands, is found under the jawbone. The third pair, the sublingual glands, sits beneath the tongue and closer to the chin. Because the duct systems are located at the bottom of the mouth, massage techniques for the submandibular and sublingual glands focus on upward and forward pressure from beneath the chin.
Step-by-Step Massage Techniques
The parotid glands require a specific technique due to their position on the side of the face. Place two fingers on the cheek area directly in front of the ear. Using gentle but firm pressure, sweep the fingers forward along the cheekbone toward the corner of the mouth. This action pushes the saliva through the duct and into the oral cavity.
Massaging the submandibular and sublingual glands involves working from the underside of the jaw. Position two fingers beneath the jawbone, starting closer to the neck, and apply light pressure. The motion should sweep forward and slightly upward toward the chin and the front of the mouth’s floor. The goal is to propel saliva toward the ducts that open near the frenulum.
For both techniques, the massage should last for one to two minutes, repeating the sweeping motion a few times per day. Maintaining adequate hydration keeps saliva thin and encourages flow, making the massage more effective. Ensure the pressure is slow and firm without causing sharp pain.
Conditions Relieved by Massage
Salivary gland massage is often recommended to manage symptoms related to compromised saliva flow, such as xerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth. By physically stimulating the glands, the massage encourages the production and release of saliva, providing temporary relief from dryness. This stimulation is beneficial for individuals whose salivary output is reduced but not completely absent.
The technique is also a conservative measure used to manage sialolithiasis, a condition characterized by the formation of calcified stones within the salivary ducts. When a stone partially obstructs a duct, pain and swelling often occur, especially during mealtimes when saliva production increases. Gently massaging the gland can sometimes help dislodge small stones or mucous plugs, pushing them out of the duct and into the mouth. This action may alleviate the pressure and discomfort caused by the backed-up saliva.
When to Seek Professional Help
While salivary gland massage is a helpful self-care strategy, certain signs and symptoms require prompt medical evaluation. A medical professional should be consulted if you experience a fever or chills, as these can indicate a bacterial infection known as sialadenitis. Persistent or rapidly worsening pain and swelling that does not improve after a few days of massage also warrant professional attention.
Infection can manifest as warmth, redness, or pus draining into the mouth. Seek immediate medical care if swelling is severe, extends into the neck or near the eye, or if you begin to have difficulty swallowing or breathing. It is also important to stop massaging immediately if the action causes sharp or stabbing pain, as this suggests the issue is beyond the scope of a home remedy.