The parotid gland is one of the salivary glands located in the face area, and in this article, we will learn about this gland specifically, its location, function, and the most common diseases that affect it.

What is the parotid gland?

The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland in size, and the salivary glands are three pairs of glands that are located in the mouth, and are responsible for the secretion of saliva that is mixed with the food we eat, helps break it down, then facilitates swallowing, and it also protects against infection.

The location of the parotid gland

The parotid gland consists of two lobes, each located just in front of the ears on either side, and extending from the cheekbones to the jaw.

Parotid gland shape and composition

This gland develops early in the first weeks of the fetus, often in the second month, and begins as small buds in the oral cavity. The parotid gland gets its blood supply loaded with oxygen and nutrients through the carotid artery, while it gets its nerve nutrition from the facial nerve, and there are many lymph nodes in and around the gland as well, and this gland passes saliva to the mouth via Stensen’s canal.

The parotid gland has an irregular shape, is yellowish in color, and contains a plasma-like fluid rich in enzymes.

Parotid gland function

The main function of the parotid gland is to secrete saliva like other salivary glands that work together in concert to secrete that clear liquid consisting of water, enzymes, molecules, and electrolytes. Saliva plays an essential role in the mouth and includes the following:

• Provides the oral cavity and gums with the necessary hydration.
• Mixes with food to aid in chewing and swallowing.
• It has a role in the digestion process, as it contains the amylase enzyme, which has a prominent role in the primary breakdown of carbohydrates.
• Helps to speak.
• It works to protect the mouth and throat from infection.
• Helps prevent tooth decay.

Common diseases of the parotid gland

When the parotid glands are affected and their functions are affected or stop working as a result of a disease, the flow of saliva to the mouth decreases, which leads to many problems that may affect some other body functions, Among the diseases of this gland are the following:

Parotid gland cancer

Cancerous tumors may grow in the parotid gland, which require surgery to remove them and additional treatment. Because there are lymph nodes nearby, the cancer is likely to spread to other areas, so radiation and chemotherapy may be required to prevent spread.

Sialadenitis

Sialadenitis occurs for many reasons, such as:

• bacterial infection
• Mumps virus.
• Obstruction due to the formation of stones from calcium deposits that may impede the flow of saliva, causing swelling of the gland, pain and infection.

Sjogren’s syndrome

It is an autoimmune disease, and it occurs when white blood cells attack the body’s own tissues instead of foreign bodies, such as the salivary glands and eyes, resulting in a decrease in saliva and tears.

How to maintain the salivary glands

There are many tips necessary to maintain the health of the salivary glands in general so that they secrete the appropriate amounts of saliva, including the following:

1. Avoid smoking and tobacco products.
2. Monitor chronic health conditions such as diabetes, and blood sugar levels should be maintained.
3. Inform the doctor when dry mouth is caused by the prescribed medication.
4. Talk to your doctor about snoring and mouth breathing during sleep.
5. Maintaining oral health.
6. Drink plenty of water.
7. Consult a doctor and pharmacist immediately if there are any signs of infection in the mouth, or swelling of the salivary glands.