The salivary glands are found in and around your mouth and throat. The major salivary glands are called the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. They all secrete saliva into your mouth through tubes called salivary ducts, The parotid duct opens near your upper teeth, submandibular under your tongue, and the sublingual through many ducts in the floor of your mouth. Besides these glands, there are many tiny glands called minor salivary glands located in your lips, inner cheek area (buccal mucosa), and extensively in other linings of your mouth and throat. Salivary glands produce the saliva used to moisten your mouth, initiate digestion, and help protect your teeth from decay.

The common probems affecting salivary glands include obstruction, blockage cysts or tumors. Appropriate investigation may help in the diagnosis prior to consideration to surgery.