Will Submandibular Gland Removal Affect Saliva or Eating?

The submandibular glands are one of three major salivary gland pairs. They play a crucial role in keeping your mouth moist, aiding digestion, and helping you speak clearly. Ever try to talk with an extremely dry mouth?

However, the glands are also vulnerable to conditions that may necessitate removal (excision).

Well-known ENT specialist and surgeon Philip T. Ho, MD, FACS, leads the team at Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center in Los Gatos, California. Dr. Ho has extensive experience performing intricate ENT surgeries like submandibular gland excision.

Here’s information from Dr. Ho and his team about submandibular gland function, why removal may be necessary, and what you can expect after the procedure.

Understanding the submandibular glands

You have hundreds of minor salivary glands in the mouth, inner cheek, and jaw area, and three major pairs: parotid glands, submandibular glands, and sublingual glands. The walnut-sized submandibular glands are located beneath the lower jaw, one on each side.

Saliva helps moisten food, start digestion, and protect your teeth and mouth from bacteria. Chronic infection, stones, cysts, or tumors (usually benign) may require excision of the affected submandibular gland.

When it’s necessary, surgery is performed to relieve discomfort, prevent recurring infections, or remove abnormal growths while preserving healthy surrounding tissue and nerve function. Here are some questions and answers about submandibular removal surgery.

Will saliva production decrease?

As the second-largest pair of major salivary glands, the submandibular glands produce a large portion of saliva. However, your body compensates remarkably well after one is removed.

The remaining glands — including the opposite submandibular gland and the parotid and sublingual glands — can increase their output to maintain comfort when eating and to keep your mouth moist.

Immediately after surgery, you may experience mild dryness or a “different” feeling in your mouth, but this usually improves with healing. Drinking water regularly, using sugar-free lozenges, and maintaining good oral hygiene can help during this phase.

However, most individuals notice little to no long-term dryness after recovery.

Will surgery affect eating or taste?

Once healing is completed after submandibular gland removal, most people can eat normally. During the first week, Dr. Ho may recommend a soft diet to minimize discomfort while the incision heals. Any temporary numbness or swelling around the jaw typically resolves within several days.

Taste changes are rare but possible if nearby nerves are stretched or irritated during surgery. In most cases, these effects are temporary and improve as the area heals. The vast majority of patients report no lasting changes in eating, swallowing, or taste.

Submandibular gland removal has an excellent success rate and low risk of complications when performed by an experienced ENT specialist. Dr. Ho’s patients typically enjoy long-term relief from pain, swelling, and infection without significant changes to saliva flow or eating habits.

Have more questions about your salivary gland health or another ENT issue?

Schedule a visit with Dr. Ho at Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center today by calling our office or requesting an appointment online.