Tubarial salivary gland in dentistry: A review

TL;DR

This review explores the newly discovered tubarial salivary glands and their relevance to dentistry, especially in conditions like dry mouth and cancer treatments.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of the clinical significance of the newly identified tubarial salivary glands in dentistry.

Findings

Tubarial glands are relevant organs-at-risk during head-neck radiotherapy.

They may be sites of neoplastic change and are involved in autoimmune conditions.

Their role in xerostomia and dysphagia highlights their importance in dental practice.

Abstract

The tubarial salivary glands, identified in 2020 as paired mucous gland clusters located near the torus tubarius in the nasopharynx,
have introduced new perspectives in salivary anatomy and oral health. Their clinical importance extends to radiology, oncology, dentistry
and systemic disease involvement. Therefore, it is of interest to review current evidence on their anatomical features, imaging characteristics
and clinical implications in dentistry, particularly in xerostomia, dysphagia and head-neck radiotherapy. Thus, we show that tubarial glands
are relevant organs-at-risk in radiotherapy, potential sites of neoplastic change and participants in autoimmune conditions, underscoring
their importance in dental practice.