Submandibular Sialolithiasis Prevalence — ORE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: C — Submandibular gland
**A. Submandibular gland** is correct. Salivary stones occur predominantly in the submandibular gland; a dental review reports approximately 84% of sialoliths in this gland, compared with about 13% in the parotid gland. The submandibular gland is predisposed because its secretion is relatively mucous and its long Wharton’s duct has an uphill, curved course. The parotid gland is therefore the most plausible distractor, but it is substantially less often involved. The sublingual gland is rarely affected. The lacrimal and thyroid glands are not salivary glands and are not relevant sites for sialolithiasis.
Reference: Kraaij S, Karagozoglu KH, Forouzanfar T, Veerman ECI, Brand HS. Salivary stones: symptoms, aetiology, biochemical composition and treatment. British Dental Journal, 2014. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25476659/