Swollen Salivary Glands

For years I have had the occasional swollen saliva gland or two (under my chin primarily).

But during a period of about 6 months or so it suddenly occurred way more often. It went from once a month to 3 - 4 times per week. That is until I found the cause.

I went back to my oral specialist who could not determine exactly the cause. I was given a sialogram (which includes x-rays) and it came up clean.

I was thinking it must be some allergy while the doctor was of the opinion it was caused by jaw clenching of some kind. But he was not sure, he just suspected it was the most likely cause.

Anyway after this annoyed me no end, I began to realise that most of the time I was getting swollen glands within minutes of I waking up, or they almost always swelled up within 30-40mins of getting up.

Then it hit me.

I was sure I knew what it was so I tested my theory with success.

IT WAS MY PILLOW !!!!

I had been randomly swapping pillows every night or three. In hindsight I realised that whenever I used my contoured latex pillow my glans would swell & annoy me for the entire day. (It was not the latex but the contoured shape and firmness of it as it affects my neck/jaw position during sleep).

I have since stopped using that pillow and I my ailment is now back to where it was - very occasional swelling maybe once a month or so (a lot better than 3 - 4 times per week).

I've also found that when I use 2 pillows (non latex) I'm more prone to swollen glands, one firm flat pillow works best for me.

Regarding my "regular/reverted" condition of getting this once per month or so: I also suspect the doctor was semi-correct : Perhaps not jaw clenching per-se, but something I do in my sleep (an occasional sleep position or similar).

I hope there are others out there who will get relief. If you find your pillow is the problem please post a thanks or comment here, we will only see a pattern if we can tell how many people this applies to. Any other feedback is of course welcome too.

OMG, i have had swollen parotid glands for most of my life. I suffer allergies and lots of problems with food. But i always suspected it may be from my pillow. It only amplified and seems to be agitated when i go to sleep i suspected jaw clenching, my latex topper (I'm allergic to latex) or my constant problems with food. The only time i haven't swollen is when i sleep upright. Which obviously is not often, except when i fly. I'm sitting at the airport now and it suddenly dawned on me. Oh sh*t. It may be my pillow. Then i googled it and you've written this article. What do you suggest i do. I'm so excited. Because it causes me so much stress because it's so bad. I can never see my ears and my face is a beach ball. For over 20 years.