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What Causes Swelling Of Parotid Papillae?
Question: My parotid papillae (the things on the mouth cheeks) is slightly swollen. Only the one on the left side is. The right side appears normal. I noticed this yesterday when I used my tongue and swipe it around my mouth cheeks. I noticed immediately it felt unusual. It is painless though. I have tried to google it but all results were about parotid gland swelling (between the cheeks and ear) which is not my case. So far I have no pain or fever or anything. No swelling on cheeks/parotid glands too. I was able to take pictures of both my parotid papillae. One is normal, one is swollen. Why is this happening?
Brief Answer:
Sialadentitis/ cheek bite.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The swollen and congested parotid salivary duct papillae signify either a cheek bite or a sialadenitis.
2. Get a USG (Ultasound) done. An MRI Sialography is better than a traditional sialogram.
3. Clindamycin is the antibiotic of choice as it attains a good concentration in saliva along with anti-inflammatory medication.
4. Sialendosocpy is a new option to explore salivary gland problems.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Sialadentitis/ cheek bite.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The swollen and congested parotid salivary duct papillae signify either a cheek bite or a sialadenitis.
2. Get a USG (Ultasound) done. An MRI Sialography is better than a traditional sialogram.
3. Clindamycin is the antibiotic of choice as it attains a good concentration in saliva along with anti-inflammatory medication.
4. Sialendosocpy is a new option to explore salivary gland problems.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
If it was a cheek bite, would there be any pain? If you notice in the picture, there appears to be a whitish dot on it sort of like an ulcer. Is that a clue to cheek bite?
Brief Answer:
Chronic cheek bites are not painful.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Cheek bites are a very common cause for such a condition. Chronic cheek bites are not painful. In the same image of the left side, there is evidence of multiple tongue bites opposite the last two molars.
2. The whitish dot is the opening of the parotid duct (Stensen's Duct) on the left papilla. The position of these openings can be extremely variable. The mild ulceration or discoloration persists for a long time due to the action of saliva. There is mild congestion and swelling.
3. Get a prescription for Clindamycin, an anti-inflammatory and apply an oral antiseptic gel. Investigate if this does not settle down in a week or two.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Chronic cheek bites are not painful.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Cheek bites are a very common cause for such a condition. Chronic cheek bites are not painful. In the same image of the left side, there is evidence of multiple tongue bites opposite the last two molars.
2. The whitish dot is the opening of the parotid duct (Stensen's Duct) on the left papilla. The position of these openings can be extremely variable. The mild ulceration or discoloration persists for a long time due to the action of saliva. There is mild congestion and swelling.
3. Get a prescription for Clindamycin, an anti-inflammatory and apply an oral antiseptic gel. Investigate if this does not settle down in a week or two.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you a lot. If this swelling disappear after a week or two, can I assume it is nothing serious and most probably just a cheek bite?
Brief Answer:
Yes, you may ignore it of it settles down.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Yes, you may ignore it if it settles down.
2. Remember to get it examined and investigated if it persists or recurs.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Yes, you may ignore it of it settles down.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Yes, you may ignore it if it settles down.
2. Remember to get it examined and investigated if it persists or recurs.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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