← All explanationsParotid gland

What produces saliva in front of the ear?

The parotid is a major salivary gland in front of and below the ear, present on both sides. Its saliva travels through a duct to the inner cheek. Swelling in that region can have several causes.

For training & practice ↓

Simplified lateral anatomy of the three major salivary glands; ducts and their openings are not depicted. — Simplified teaching image · ducts not depicted

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In front of the ear

The gland lies at the side of the face. It is neither the ear canal nor the jaw joint, although symptoms may be felt nearby.

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A route to the cheek

Its duct travels across the cheek region and opens opposite an upper molar. It does not open beneath the tongue.

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Assess swelling

Recurrent mealtime swelling, persistent lumps or new symptoms need medical or dental assessment. Do not squeeze or puncture the area.

Watch the short explanation ↓

At a glance

Where is it?

In front of and below each ear.

What should be described?

Onset, side, relation to meals, pain, fever or a lump.

When is earlier help needed?

For rapidly painful swelling or fever; swallowing or breathing problems are urgent.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.

Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.

Read the film text in English

In front of the ear
The gland lies at the side of the face. It is neither the ear canal nor the jaw joint, although symptoms may be felt nearby.
A route to the cheek
Its duct travels across the cheek region and opens opposite an upper molar. It does not open beneath the tongue.
Assess swelling
Recurrent mealtime swelling, persistent lumps or new symptoms need medical or dental assessment. Do not squeeze or puncture the area.

Often confused

Parotid gland or jaw joint?

The gland produces saliva; the joint enables jaw movement. Pain location alone does not distinguish the cause.

Quick answers

Is every swelling a stone?

No. Inflammation, drainage problems and other conditions may present similarly.

Will the mouth always be dry?

Not necessarily. Several major and many minor glands contribute to saliva.

Who assesses it?

Depending on findings, a dentist or doctor, with ENT or other specialist assessment where appropriate.

At the practice

For a personal discussion

An editorially suggested question for a discussion with Dr med dent Niusha Barahmand Pour:

Do the findings point to the salivary gland or another structure?

New or recurrent swelling near the ear? Please call to clarify what assessment is appropriate.

Call the practice · 0221 669 401 80Telephone contact

Meet Dr. Niusha Barahmand Pour ↗

Learning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge

Parotid: The major gland near the ear.
Excretory duct: Carries saliva into the mouth.
Stensen duct: The duct of the parotid gland.

Make the distinction

The gland produces saliva; the joint enables jaw movement. Pain location alone does not distinguish the cause.

Knowledge questionWhere does the parotid duct open?

For learning, not for assessing personal symptoms. Your answer is not stored or sent.

At the inner cheek.
Inside the ear canal.
Inside a root canal.

View answer

At the inner cheek.

Saliva enters the mouth through the inner cheek.

Sources and context

Editorial research: 2026-11-02. General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.