Causes

Thick saliva: If the body contains too little water, it saves by wasting as little water as possible. This makes the saliva more viscous. Substances such as calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, proteins or carbohydrates are then contained in the saliva in increased percentages.
If they are not washed away, these substances are deposited on the walls of the excretory duct and form a stone. By drinking regularly, the formation of a salivary stone can be prevented. If there is enough water in the body, the saliva is also more fluid.

The relationship between water and substances that are deposited as a stone in the salivary gland duct is better.
Consequence of a disease: In some cases a disease causes thickened saliva. For example, mumps or cystic fibrosis.
Too much calcium in saliva: If, on the other hand, there is too much calcium in saliva, for example in the case of bone metastasis, gout or diabetes mellitus, in addition to gallstones and kidney stones, salivary stones can also be increased.
Taking medication: The saliva deficiency can also be influenced by medication.Water tablets, antihypertensive drugs for the heart or antidepressants lead to reduced salivation.
Consequence of irradiation: After irradiation of a tumor in the head and neck region, so-called radiogenic sialadenitis occurs. This is an inflammation of the salivary gland which causes less saliva to be produced.
Sjörgen syndrome: In the rheumatic Sjörgen syndrome, the formation of salivary stones is equally favored.

Ignition

A salivary stone that persists for a long time in the glandular duct bears the risk of developing salivary gland inflammation (technical term: sialadentitis). The cause of this phenomenon is the obstruction of the excretory duct caused by the salivary stone and the associated multiplication of bacteria and viruses. The salivary gland is a perfect place where bacteria, but also viruses, can multiply.

The temperature is at body heat and sufficient nutrients enter via the blood. Such an inflammation is promoted by a lack of oral hygiene. The bacteria in the mouth can also migrate through the excretory duct to the salivary gland and cause inflammation there.

Over time, pus can form and flow into the mouth, causing an unpleasant taste and smell. If an inflammation is caused by a salivary stone, it occurs mainly in the parotid gland. Because of the close relationship to other structures, bacteria are more likely to enter the parotid gland and cause an inflammation.

Only when an inflammation has developed from the salivary stone do the drugs start to work. The inflammation can usually be treated well with antibiotics. The salivary stone can also dissolve.

An inflammation of the salivary gland caused by salivary stones is most often manifested by the sudden, one-sided appearance of local swelling in the area of the affected gland. In addition, an inflammation of the salivary gland is manifested by sometimes severe pain and redness of the mucous membranes. Many patients report that the pain occurs mainly during eating or is increased in intensity by food intake.

This is due to the fact that the salivary production of the inflamed salivary gland increases during eating. In many cases, the mere thought of eating is enough to trigger this phenomenon. In addition, an inflammation of a salivary gland manifests itself by the occurrence of high fever and a pronounced sensitivity to pressure in the area of the affected gland. An inflammation of the salivary gland caused by a salivary stone requires prompt medical treatment.