English: Parotid glands are the largest #salivary #gland in the oral cavity. These glands are present below and in front of the ears. The function of a #healthy parotid gland is to supply saliva that is rich in #digestive proteins.

Parotid glands The job of parotid glands is to release thin, watery saliva in the upper portion of the mouth. The narrow channels that drain saliva are known as Stensen's ducts. When you do not eat anything, parotid glands supply 25% saliva to your mouth. When eating, you get 50% saliva from these glands. The proteins in the saliva provided by these glands aid the digestion process.

The cells making up these glands are mostly serous cells, but there are other types of cells present there as well, such as lymph nodes. The presence of these nodes is one of the reasons that parotid glands are quite susceptible to develop tumors and lymphomas. There is also a risk of Stensen's ducts getting blocked by tiny stones. This condition can result in pain and swelling, making the glands more vulnerable to #bacterial and #viral #infections.

Parotid gland infections Children who haven’t been immunized can get an infection in the parotid glands. This infection is known as mumps. This infection can occur in adults too. Obstruction is a more common issue that adults face with their parotid glands. The reason for the occurrence of bacterial infection is that the mouth is full of bacteria, which include harmful bacteria too. According to the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of California, the bacteria that cause salivary gland infections are the staph bacteria. Problems such as an obstruction in the salivary glands, excess sugar, thick saliva, dehydration, and poor nutrition can result in the parotid glands' susceptibility to developing infections as a result of bacterial attack.

Symptoms of infections The most common symptom of parotid gland infection is the #swelling in front of the ears. Other symptoms may include dry mouth, redness, pain, and an awkward taste when eating. In case of a severe infection, you will not be able to open your mouth wide.

Treatment for parotid gland infections The potential treatments for parotid gland infections may include increased fluid intake, #antibiotics, and surgery. The surgeon will ask about symptoms and may recommend diagnostic procedures, such as lab tests and ultrasound or CT scan.

Antibiotics are effective in treating bacterial infection. In many cases, you may just need to get the blocked ducts opened. In some cases, the surgeon may have to use a hollow needle to drain an abscess.

Other #medications usually help keep the mouth hydrated to keep the infection from recurring. This preventive care also includes taking good care of oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth. Brushing twice and flossing at least once is the minimum recommendation. You may also want to use an antimicrobial mouthwash to keep your mouth protected against bacterial infections.

You will need to make sure that your mouth generates an adequate amount of saliva. If there is any problem that causes saliva deficiency, you will want to visit your dentist.