Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
A radiation dose of 52 Gy is sufficient to cause severe salivary dysfunction. Radiotherapy for oral cancers usually involves up to 70 Gy of radiation, often given along with chemotherapy which may also have a damaging effect on saliva production. [8] This side effect is a result of radiation damage of the parasympathetic nerves.
It has also been defined as increased amount of saliva in the mouth, which may also be caused by decreased clearance of saliva. [4] Hypersalivation can contribute to drooling if there is an inability to keep the mouth closed or difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) the excess saliva, which can lead to excessive spitting.
A salivary diverticulum (plural diverticuli) is a small pouch or out-pocketing of the duct system of a major salivary gland. [16] Such diverticuli typically cause pooling of saliva and recurrent sialadenitis, [17] especially parotitis. [18] A diverticulum may also cause a sialolith to form. [19] [20] The condition can be diagnosed by ...
A sialolithiasis is a salivary stone that may cause blockage of the ducts, most commonly the submandibular ducts, causing pain and swelling of the gland. [33] Salivary gland dysfunction is either a reduced (hyposalivation), or an increased (hypersalivation) production of saliva.
Saliva on a baby's lips. Saliva (commonly referred to as spit or drool) is an extracellular fluid produced and secreted by salivary glands in the mouth.In humans, saliva is around 99% water, plus electrolytes, mucus, white blood cells, epithelial cells (from which DNA can be extracted), enzymes (such as lipase and amylase), and antimicrobial agents (such as secretory IgA, and lysozymes).
Xerostomia, or a decrease in saliva flow, can be a side effect of many drugs, which, in turn, can lead to the development of taste disturbances such as dysgeusia. [39] Patients can lessen the effects of xerostomia with breath mints, sugarless gum, or lozenges; or physicians can increase saliva flow with artificial saliva or oral pilocarpine. [39]
Hypofunction of the salivary gland will reduce saliva production causing decreased protection against acid erosion and increased risk of dental decay. Long term High Postparotidectomy complications (facial deformity or facial nerve palsy)
Other causes can be duct stricture (narrowing of the duct), infection or injury. Symptoms may include recurrent swelling, pain and aggravation during eating as this is when saliva production is stimulated. Ductal obstruction may cause less saliva flow, which can result in recurrent gland infections. [8]