Damage to the Salivary Glands
The salivary glands are secretory organs which produce saliva through tubes called salivary ducts. The salivary glands are found inside the cheeks, at the bottom of the mouth and near the front teeth by the jaw bone. The body normally produces up to 2 to 4 pints saliva a day; although, this varies depending on the food taken in as spicy foods increase saliva secretion. When the salivary glands are damaged or the ducts obstructed, the body will not be able to secrete saliva. Damaged salivary glands are found mostly in people with cancer, undergoing chemotherapy and several radiations. These cancer treatments destroy nerves in the body. [5]
