Sialolithiasis is a condition of stone formation within the salivary glands. The submandibular gland also known as Wharton's Duct Usually gets affected. The calcified mass or sialolith forms within the salivary ducts are termed as salivary stones.
They are uncomfortable and painful. Your Jaw and the cheek on the affected side gets the pain which can range from mild to severe. Natural remedies for sialolithiasis are usually very effective in getting rid of the stones.
No further medication may be required if the natural remedies are properly used. However, you should still contact a health care professional to ensure that the condition is diagnosed well.
It may usually take about a week to remove these stones and get back to normal functioning of the salivary gland.
What Causes sialolithiasis ?
It is still not clear as to what really causes salivary gland stones. However, the following factors are closely associated with these stones. They reduce saliva production leading to formation of stones in the glands.
- Dehydration is one of the most common causes of sialolithiasis
- Medications for blood pressure and antihistamines
- Eating less food
Although technically these calcium or mineral accumulations or stones can form in any of the three sets of salivary glands, most of them are formed in the submandibular gland located in the jaw near the back of the mouth on both sides. One or more stones can form simultaneously.
Parotid glands located in front of the ears on your face on both sides is the second most common site for the stones, but these stones are much smaller than the stones formed in the submandibular glands.
The symptoms of the salivary duct stones include pain in the mouth, jaw and face. The pain increases as you take food. While you eat food saliva is produced, but the stones will obstruct the flow causing back pressure as a result you feel pain and swelling.
Natural Cure For Salivary Gland Stones
In the extremely complicated cases of salivary duct stones, you may have to undergo surgery, but in most cases the stones can be treated at home. The objective of natural remedies for salivary duct stones is to dissolve the stones and reduce pain and swelling.
1. Warm Water;
Take 2-3 tablespoons of warm water in your mouth and roll the water inside by keeping the mouth shut. This will help the stones to lose up in the salary gland. Do it for 5 minutes at least 2-3 times a day. You can do it as many times as you can during the day. This will also reduce swelling and pain.
2. Sour Candy
Keep a sour candy between your cheek and the jaw of the affected side where the stone is formed. Keep the candy deep inside because the gland is at the end of the jaw. The sourness will push the salivary gland to produce more saliva which can dissolve the stone gradually and opens up the blockage.
Do it 2-3 times a day everyday. Your salivary duct stones should get dissolved within a week.
3. Lemon
Drink lemon juice and rub lemon inside the cheek of the affected side.
All the above remedies are simple but very effective. It takes about a week to get rid of the salivary duct stones. So do it with patience. If you see any complications and your condition doesn't improve within a week then check it out with your doctor.