What Happens If a Blocked Salivary Gland Is Left Untreated?
A blocked salivary gland might seem minor initially, but ignoring it can lead to serious problems. If your saliva flow is obstructed, it can cause pain, swelling, and even infections.
In this blog, let's check out what happens when a blocked salivary gland is left untreated and why timely diagnosis and treatment are essential.
What Causes a Blocked Salivary Gland?
Your salivary glands produce saliva, which helps digestion and keeps your mouth moist. Sometimes, a small stone or mucus build up can block these glands, preventing saliva from flowing correctly. This usually happens in the parotid glands (below and in front of each ear), submandibular glands (below the jaw), and sublingual glands (under the tongue).
Early Symptoms to Watch For
At first, you might feel mild discomfort, especially while eating. Some common early symptoms include:
Swelling near the jaw or under the tongue
Pain that worsens when eating
Dry mouth or trouble swallowing
A bad taste in the mouth due to trapped saliva
A simple ENT daycare treatment in Kolkata by experts at Vitadell Healthcare, a multi-specialty surgical daycare hospital, can clear the blockage without complications if treated early.
What Happens If You Ignore It?
Persistent Swelling and Pain
As the blockage remains, the swelling can become constant, making it uncomfortable to talk, chew, or even move your jaw. The pain may increase over time, especially during meals when your glands try to produce more saliva.
Infection and Abscess Formation
Trapped saliva creates a breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead to sialadenitis infection, causing severe swelling, redness, and pus formation. If the infection worsens, an abscess may develop, requiring surgical drainage.
Permanent Gland Damage
Chronic blockage and infections can damage the gland tissue permanently, leading to reduced saliva production. This can cause long-term dry mouth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and oral diseases.
When to Seek Treatment?
If you notice any persistent swelling, pain, or difficulty swallowing, consult a specialist immediately. Advanced ENT daycare treatment in Kolkata by expert doctors at Vitadell Healthcare can remove the blockage safely and prevent complications.
Conclusion
Ignoring a blocked salivary gland can turn a simple issue into a serious medical condition. Early intervention through ENT daycare treatment in Kolkata can save you from unnecessary pain and complications.
Don't wait—get checked if you have symptoms. Book an appointment today.
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