Print. The salivary glands produce saliva to moisten the mouth, to help protect teeth from decay and to digest food. The three major salivary glands are the parotid gland, submandibular gland (also called the submaxillary gland), and sublingual glands. Saliva drains into the mouth through small tubes called ducts.1  The parotid gland makes 25% of the saliva and drains into the mouth near the upper teeth. The parotid gland makes 25% of the saliva and drains into the mouth near the upper teeth. 2  The submandibular gland makes 70% of the salvia and drains into the mouth from under the tongue. 3  The sublingual gland makes 5% of the saliva and drains into the floor of the mouth.