From the Guidelines
Lemon water is not a proven treatment for breaking up sialoliths (salivary gland stones) in the salivary gland. While some people claim that acidic drinks like lemon water might help dissolve or dislodge salivary stones, there is no scientific evidence supporting this approach, as noted in the guidelines for management of facial pain, which includes salivary gland disorders 1. The standard medical treatments for salivary gland stones include:
- Staying well-hydrated with plain water
- Applying warm compresses to the affected area
- Gently massaging the gland
- Using medications like sialagogues to stimulate saliva production
- In some cases, seeking medical procedures such as sialendoscopy (endoscopic removal) or surgery for larger stones. Lemon water's acidity theoretically could stimulate saliva flow, which might help with minor stones, but it could also potentially irritate the oral tissues and damage tooth enamel with regular use, highlighting the importance of consulting a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, rather than relying on home remedies like lemon water, especially since salivary stones are most frequent in the submandibular gland and can cause intermittent pain and tenderness 1.
From the Research
Sialoliths (Salivary Gland Stones) Composition and Treatment
- Sialoliths are calcified concrements in the salivary glands, consisting of an amorphous mineralised nucleus, surrounded by concentric laminated layers of organic and inorganic substances 2.
- The management of salivary stones is focused on removing the salivary stones and preservation of salivary gland function, which depends on the size and location of the stone 2.
- Conservative management of salivary stones consists of salivary gland massage and the use of sialogogues, such as lemon drops or vitamin C lozenges 3.
Effectiveness of Lemon Water in Breaking Up Sialoliths
- There is no direct evidence to suggest that lemon water can break up sialoliths in the salivary gland.
- Sialogogues, such as lemon drops, are used to stimulate saliva production and help relieve symptoms of salivary gland disorders, but their effectiveness in breaking up sialoliths is not established 3, 4.
Treatment Options for Sialolithiasis
- Treatment options for sialolithiasis include removal of the stone, intraoral sialolithotomy, sialendoscopy, and surgical removal of the whole salivary gland 2, 5.
- Minimally invasive and gland-preserving treatment modalities, such as extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and diagnostic and interventional sialendoscopy (intSE), have become more common 6.
- The choice of treatment depends on the size, location, and number of stones, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences 6.