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The salivary glands — parotid, submandibular and sublingual — can be affected by several conditions:

• Salivary stones : a stone blocks the gland’s duct and causes painful swelling, often at mealtimes.
• Infection (sialadenitis) : the gland becomes painful, swollen and red.
• Tumours : most salivary gland tumours are benign, but any persistent lump should be assessed.
• Sjögren’s syndrome and other causes of dry mouth.