Introduction
Talking, eating, breathing and defending ourselves against germs are functions that depend on the oral mucosa being constantly covered by saliva in sufficient quantity and quality.
The Parotid Glands are located on either side of the face and drain saliva through the Stenon duct into the cheek mucosa at the level of the second molar. They produce saliva especially during meals.
The Submaxillary Glands are located under the jaw and drain saliva through the Wharton duct coming out on both sides of the lingual frenulum. They are the ones that produce the most saliva.
The Sublingual Glands can be seen as two elongated protrusions either side of the bottom of the mouth under the tongue and they drain saliva through multiple holes at the top of these protrusions.
The Minor Salivary Glands are small glandular units that are distributed throughout the oral mucosa, ensuring the correct hydration of the surfaces of the oral cavity.