Throat & Voice
The physicians and staff of the ENT Group of Los Angeles have put together the following resources in order to better assist you.
Salivary Glands
The salivary glands are found in and around the mouth and throat. The major salivary glands are the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. The parotid secretes saliva near the upper teeth, the submandibular from under the tongue, and the sublingual through the floor of the mouth. Additionally, many other minor salivary glands are located in the lips, inner cheeks, and throat. Saliva aids in digestion, oral lubrication and hygiene, and protection against tooth decay.
Disorders of the salivary glands include obstruction, infection, secondary infection from lymph node enlargement, and tumors. Conditions that can affect the salivary glands include autoimmune diseases, such as HIV, which attack the salivary glands and cause them to enlarge. Others are rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause dry mouth, and diabetes, which may result in swelling and enlargement.
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