<unk> s (SGD) are multiple and varied in cause. There are three paired major<unk><unk> s in humans – (the parotid<unk> s, the submandibular<unk> s, and the sublingual<unk> s), and about 800-1000 minor<unk><unk> s in the mucosa of the mouth. The parotid<unk>  is located in front of the ear, and it secretes its mostly serous saliva via the parotid duct (Stenson duct) into the mouth, usually opening roughly opposite the maxillary second molar. The submandibular<unk>  is located medial to the angle of the mandible, and it drains its mixture of serous and mucous saliva via the submandibular duct (Wharton duct) into the mouth, usually opening in a punctum located in the floor of mouth. The sublingual<unk>  is located below the tongue, on the floor of the mouth. It drains its mostly mucous saliva into the mouth via about 8-20 ducts which open along the plica sublingualis (a fold of tissue under the tongue). The function of the<unk><unk> s is to secrete saliva, which has a lubricating function, which protects the oral mucosa of the mouth during eating and speaking. Saliva also contains digestive enzymes (e.g.<unk>  amylase) and has antimicrobial action and acts as a buffer.<unk><unk>  dysfunction occurs when<unk>  rates are reduced and this can result in xerostomia (dry mouth). Various examples of disorders affecting the<unk><unk> s are listed below. Some are more common than others, and they are considered according to a surgical sieve, but this list is not exhaustive. Sialadenitis is inflammation of a<unk><unk> , usually caused by infections, although there are other less common causes of inflammation such as irradiation, allergic reactions or trauma.
Salivary gland disease
Dental abscess
Oral and maxillofacial pathology
Oral cancer
Dental plaque
Nasal polyp
Salivary gland tumour
Thyroiditis