THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF SIALOLITHIASIS: CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT PROTOCOLS WITH SIALOGOGUES AND HYDRATION

Abstract

Sialolithiasis is a non-neoplastic disease that primarily affects the submandibular glands due to the formation of calculi, known as sialoliths, within the glandular parenchyma or its excretory ducts. The most common signs and symptoms observed are swelling and pain in the affected gland region, which are exacerbated when salivary production is stimulated during meals. Diagnosis can be established through clinical examination during consultation, associated with complementary tests such as radiographs. For the treatment of smaller calculi, conservative management is recommended through a triad consisting of abundant oral hydration, glandular massage, and the use of sialogogues, in addition to adjunctive therapies with anti-inflammatory drugs for pain control. The present study aimed to review and analyze conservative therapeutic protocols based on hydration and the use of substances that stimulate salivary production (sialogogues). This is a literature review based on scientific articles published in the last five years in the PubMed database. The results demonstrated that, depending on the prognosis related to the size, location, and mobility of the calculus, conservative management presents favorable outcomes in cases of smaller sialoliths, avoiding the need for invasive procedures, such as the removal of affected salivary glands. It is concluded that conservative treatment with sialogogues and hydration is an effective approach in cases with a favorable prognosis, contributing to the resolution of the clinical condition and reducing the need for surgical interventions.