From Basics to diseases and treatment of salivary gland disorders

A gland consists of specialized type of cells, wherein they produce products which are used elsewhere in the body. Salivary glands are complex, tubulo acinar, exocrine or merocrine glands secreting mainly saliva. Saliva is the product of the major and minor salivary gland dispersed throughout the oral cavity. The keystone of the architecture of the oral cavity is saliva. Salivary gland diseases may be inflammatory, non-inflammatory, non-neoplastic or neoplastic lesions. Only when a definitive diagnosis is established, treatment depends upon the lesion size, cause, severity, extent and other clinical consideration of the disease.However, a general dentist may be called upon to provide follow up in terms of management of the patient's subsequent oral health.This book provide a desriptive anatomy physiology of salivary glands along with function of saliva, oral and systemic etiologies of salivary dysfunction, and methods to treat and prevent salivary disorders.