I am 46, 5ft 5 and approx 11stone. I have a painful lump on my lower left jaw which appears to be unattached to anything as it can move about. I also have pain down the left side of my neck. I visited my GP today who diagnosed stones in my salivary glands. The GP prescribed co-amoxiclav. He did not look in my mouth at all. Why did he prescribe antibiotics when as I understand it there is no infection there?
Hi Dear, Welcome to Chat Doctor. Understanding your concern. As per your query painful lump on jaw which is movable along with neck pain is because of salivary gland stones, which cause obstruction of normal flow of saliva and leads to its accumulation and swelling and pain. Doctor did not look into your mouth because its not oral cavity or teeth related as then swelling will be hard and immovable. Antibiotics are given because if there is any infection due to stones it will not further spread and get healed then and there. I would suggest you not to worry about anything. For small stones, stimulating saliva flow by sucking on a lemon or sour candies can cause the stone to pass spontaneously. Dentist can remove small stone by massage or by push out the stone from duct. For larger stone you need to visit dentist and get it excised as small incision will remove the stone. Sialendoscopy is recent treatment to remove salivary stones. Hope your concern has been resolved. Best Wishes,