5. Infections and Pus Formation: The Escalating Concern
A blocked salivary duct, thanks to a stone, provides a stagnant pool of saliva. Just like stagnant water can breed mosquitoes, stagnant saliva becomes a haven for bacteria. This bacterial growth can escalate into a full-blown infection.
One of the most glaring signs of an infection, apart from increased pain and swelling, is the presence of pus. This thick, often yellowish-white fluid is an accumulation of dead cells, bacteria, and tissue debris. Its presence indicates an ongoing battle between the body’s immune system and the invading bacteria.
Left untreated, an infection can lead to more severe conditions like abscess formation or even systemic involvement, where the infection spreads to other parts of the body. Fever, malaise, and fatigue might accompany.
Antibiotics are the frontline defense against such infections. However, to ensure complete resolution, the underlying cause – the salivary stone – must be addressed. (5)
