The human body contains salivary glands that produce and secrete saliva into the mouth. Three major pairs exist: parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. Numerous minor glands also contribute to daily saliva production (0.5 to 1.5 liters). Saliva plays a crucial role in oral health and initial digestion.
Saliva moistens food, making it easier to chew and swallow. It contains enzymes like amylase, which begin starch breakdown. Beyond digestion, saliva lubricates oral tissues, aids speech, and keeps the mouth clean. It protects teeth from cavities and prevents infections by neutralizing acids and washing away food particles and bacteria.
Why Salivary Glands Are Removed
Salivary glands may be surgically removed for various medical reasons, most commonly due to tumors. Many tumors, even benign, require removal due to potential growth, pain, swallowing difficulties, or facial weakness. Malignant tumors require removal to prevent spread.
Chronic infections or inflammation (sialadenitis) may necessitate removal, especially if conservative treatments fail. Salivary gland stones (sialolithiasis) are another frequent reason, as they can block ducts, causing recurrent pain, swelling, and infection. Rarely, excessive salivation (sialorrhea) or facial trauma may also lead to gland removal.
Initial Post-Surgery Experiences
Immediately after salivary gland removal, patients experience acute symptoms as healing begins. Pain and swelling around the surgical site are common, usually subsiding within days to weeks. A small drain might be placed temporarily to collect fluid or blood.
Temporary numbness around the incision or earlobe (after parotid surgery) can occur due to nerve irritation or minor damage. Sensation often returns within several months.
Temporary facial weakness or a crooked smile can result if the facial nerve, which runs through the parotid gland, is affected. This usually resolves within a few weeks to months, often due to nerve manipulation or stretching during surgery.
Life Without Saliva: Chronic Effects
Long-term absence or significant reduction of saliva (xerostomia or dry mouth) profoundly impacts oral health and quality of life. Insufficient saliva causes persistent dry mouth, leading to discomfort and sometimes a burning sensation. This dryness makes chewing and swallowing difficult, as saliva no longer moistens food or aids passage.
Taste perception can be altered or diminished, as saliva dissolves food compounds for taste buds. Saliva’s protective functions are compromised, increasing dental problems like tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease due to plaque and bacteria.
Speech may become challenging, with difficulty articulating words due to dry tongue and oral tissues. Reduced saliva affects digestion, impairing initial enzymatic breakdown of food.
Strategies for Managing Salivary Gland Removal Effects
Managing chronic effects of salivary gland removal focuses on alleviating dry mouth and preventing complications. Regular oral hygiene, including frequent brushing with fluoride toothpaste and daily flossing, is paramount to combat increased tooth decay and gum disease. More frequent dental check-ups monitor oral health closely.
Artificial saliva substitutes, gels, or rinses lubricate the mouth and provide temporary dryness relief. Staying hydrated by sipping water throughout the day is beneficial. Dietary modifications, such as avoiding dry, sticky, or highly acidic foods and favoring softer, moist foods, make eating more comfortable. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candies stimulates any remaining salivary gland function.