Diagnosing salivary gland infections

Swelling of a parotid, submandibular or sublingual salivary gland may indicate salivary gland infection; however, a noninfective cause of swelling (eg salivary gland obstruction) is more likely. Potential causes of salivary gland swelling outlines potential causes of salivary gland swelling.

Conditions that can present in a similar way to salivary gland swelling includes benign masseteric hypertrophy, lymphadenopathy and acute odontogenic infection. Acute spreading odontogenic infections must be considered as a cause of swelling of the floor of the mouth or the submandibular gland; acute odontogenic infections require urgent assessment and intervention.

Investigations or imaging (eg ultrasound, computed tomography [CT]) may be necessary to determine the diagnosis.