There are basically 3 types of salivary (spit) glands and secretions they produce:
- Serous (watery); mostly in the parotid gland (the largest salivary gland, its duct comes out at the level of the upper second molar) and glands of von Ebner
- Mucous (thick); in the palatine and posterior lingual glands. They generally aid in swallowing.
- Mixed; in the sublingual glands, submandibular glands (the most prolific producer of saliva), and the anterior sublingual glands. These glands (generally) secrete around the tongue.
Source: Crossley H, Unraveling the mysteries of saliva: Its importance in maintaining oral health, General Dentistry, Vol 55, No 4, July/Aug 2007, pg 288-296.
Hans Skariah, B.Sc., DMD
Promenade Court Dental Health Group in Mississauga
2233 Hurontario St., Mississauga, ON, Canada
(1/2 km north of the QEW in the Dome Building)
(905) 273-7100
