Sialadenitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Sialadenitis?
An ear, nose, and throat doctor, also called an otolaryngologist, often treats sialadenitis. A primary care doctor or a dentist can do the first exam. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is sialadenitis?
Sialadenitis is swelling and irritation of one or more salivary glands. These glands make and store saliva, which is spit. The three pairs of major glands are the parotid glands in the cheeks, the submandibular glands under the jaw, and the sublingual glands under the tongue. All of them empty saliva into the mouth through small tubes called ducts. Salivary gland infections are somewhat common, and they can return in some people. Sialadenitis usually affects the parotid and submandibular glands and is most common among older adults.
Symptoms
- Swelling of the face, especially in front of the ears, below the jaw, or on the floor of the mouth.
- Mouth or face pain that feels like squeezing, especially when eating.
- Redness over the side of the face or the upper neck.
- Dry mouth, or a foul taste in the mouth.
- Trouble opening the mouth as wide as usual.
- Fever.
- Pus in the mouth.
Causes and who gets it
A virus, such as mumps, can infect the salivary glands. Mumps cases are fewer today because of the widespread use of the MMR vaccine. Bacterial infections are often the result of a blockage from salivary duct stones. Poor mouth care, or low water in the body, can also lead to a bacterial infection. An autoimmune disease, one where the body attacks its own healthy tissue, such as Sjogren's syndrome, can also cause sialadenitis.
Dehydration, which means too little water in the body, lowers saliva flow and can lead to infection. Antihistamines, beta-blockers, and diuretics can lead to dehydration. Radioactive iodine, sometimes used after thyroid cancer surgery, can also cause sialadenitis.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider or dentist will do an exam to look for enlarged glands. The gland is often painful, and pus may drain into the mouth. A CT scan, MRI scan, or ultrasound may be done to look for an abscess or stones. A bacterial culture can help find the germ causing the problem. A mumps blood test may be suggested if several glands are involved.
Treatment
In some cases, no treatment is needed. Initial treatment involves antibiotics and rehydration, which means getting enough fluids. Antibiotics are used if you have a fever or pus drainage, or if bacteria caused the infection, and they do not work against viruses. If a stone is present, gentle massage may help move it out of the gland.
At home, these steps can help recovery:
- Brush your teeth and floss well at least twice a day.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to ease pain and keep the mouth moist.
- Drink lots of water and use sugar-free lemon drops to increase saliva flow and reduce swelling.
- Use warm compresses on the swollen gland and massage it with heat.
- Stop smoking if you smoke, to speed healing.
Surgery or aspiration, which means draining with a needle, can drain an abscess. Sialendoscopy uses a very small camera and tools to find and treat problems in the glands. Most salivary gland infections go away on their own or are cured with treatment.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of a salivary gland infection. Contact your provider too if your symptoms get worse. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing. Get medical help right away if you have a high fever. Get medical help right away for swallowing problems.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can examine the gland, check for signs of infection, talk through home care, and refer you to an ear, nose, and throat doctor if needed.
Common questions
Is sialadenitis serious?
Most salivary gland infections go away on their own or are cured with treatment, and complications are not common. Possible complications include an abscess, which is a pocket of pus. The infection can also spread.
Can sialadenitis come back?
Yes, some infections come back. In rare cases of repeat sialadenitis, surgery may be needed to remove part or all of the gland.
Do I need antibiotics for sialadenitis?
Only if bacteria caused it or you have a fever or pus drainage. Antibiotics are not useful against viral infections.
Can sialadenitis be prevented?
In many cases it cannot be prevented. Good oral hygiene may prevent some cases of bacterial infection.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Salivary gland infections
- ENT Health - Sialadenitis
- National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) - Sialadenitis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
