Treatment:

The treatment varies, depending on the disorder:

• Sialolithiasis – If the stone is located near the end of the duct, your doctor may be able to press it out gently. Deeper stones can be removed with surgery.
• Sialadenitis – Treatment includes drinking fluids or receiving fluids intravenously (through a vein); antibiotics; warm compresses on the infected gland; and encouraging saliva flow by chewing sour, sugarless candies or by drinking orange juice. If these methods do not cure the infection, surgery can be done to drain the gland.
• Viral infections – Because these infections almost always go away on their own, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms through bed rest, drinking fluids to prevent dehydration, and taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve pain and fever.
• Cysts – A small cyst may drain on its own without treatment. Larger cysts can be removed using traditional surgery or laser surgery.
• Benign tumors – Noncancerous tumors usually are removed surgically. In some cases, radiation treatments are given after surgery to prevent the tumor from returning.
• Malignant tumors – Smaller, early stage, low-grade tumors often can be treated with surgery alone. However, larger, high-grade tumors usually require radiation following surgery. Inoperable tumors are treated with radiation or chemotherapy.
• Sjogren's syndrome – For treatment of symptoms related to the salivary glands, options include pilocarpine (Salagen), a medication to help relieve dry mouth; sugarless gum and candy to stimulate saliva production; and avoiding smoking, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, spicy foods and acidic foods.
• Sialadenosis – Treatment is aimed at correcting any underlying medical problem. Once the medical problem improves, the salivary glands should shrink to normal size.