← All explanationsSubmandibular gland

Which gland sends saliva beneath the tongue?

The submandibular gland lies mainly beneath the lower jaw and is present on both sides. Its duct travels forwards to the floor of the mouth, opening beside the tongue frenulum. It is distinct from the smaller sublingual gland.

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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Beneath the jaw

The name describes the gland location. Saliva then travels forwards through the floor of the mouth.

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Opening beside the frenulum

Wharton duct opens on a small elevation beside the tongue frenulum. This opening is not a tooth root or gum pocket.

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Meals as a clue

Pain or swelling during meals may occur with obstructed flow. It does not prove a stone; examination clarifies possible causes.

Watch the short explanation ↓

At a glance

Where is the gland?

Mainly beneath the lower jaw.

What pattern matters?

Whether swelling or pain is related to meals.

When should I not wait?

With fever, rapid swelling, swallowing or breathing difficulty.

Knowledge in motion

Explained in 36 seconds.

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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

Beneath the jaw
The name describes the gland location. Saliva then travels forwards through the floor of the mouth.
Opening beside the frenulum
Wharton duct opens on a small elevation beside the tongue frenulum. This opening is not a tooth root or gum pocket.
Meals as a clue
Pain or swelling during meals may occur with obstructed flow. It does not prove a stone; examination clarifies possible causes.

Often confused

Submandibular or sublingual gland?

The submandibular gland lies mainly beneath the jaw; the sublingual gland lies further forwards in the floor of the mouth beneath the tongue.

Quick answers

Is it the sublingual gland?

No. They are neighbouring but different glands with different duct systems.

May I squeeze out a suspected stone?

Do not use sharp objects or forceful attempts. Have swelling and symptoms assessed.

Does the gland need removal?

A symptom alone cannot establish that. Treatment depends on cause, location and findings.

At the practice

For a personal discussion

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

Is saliva drainage affected, and what further assessment is appropriate?

Symptoms beneath the jaw or tongue? Please call and describe pain, fever and any link with meals.

Call the practice · 0221 669 401 80Telephone contact

Meet Dr. Niusha Barahmand Pour ↗

Learning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge

Submandibular: Situated beneath the lower jaw.
Wharton duct: The submandibular gland duct.
Lingual frenulum: Tissue fold between the tongue underside and mouth floor.

Make the distinction

The submandibular gland lies mainly beneath the jaw; the sublingual gland lies further forwards in the floor of the mouth beneath the tongue.

Knowledge questionWhere does Wharton duct open?

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

At the soft palate.
In a gum crevice.
Beside the tongue frenulum.

View answer

Beside the tongue frenulum.

The duct leads to an opening in the front of the mouth floor.

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.