Weddellite in Submandibular Gland Calculus

Abstract

Scanning electron microscopy of a submandibular sialolith showed octahedral and dipyramidal crystals located at the surface layer of cortex. The crystal habits observed were consistent with those of a tetragonal crystal system. X-ray microdiffraction revealed the presence of weddellite. The origin of weddellite within the calculus remains to be determined.

Laser lithotripsy of salivary stones: Correlation with physical and radiological parameters

“…IR‐spectroscopy further revealed Struvite and Weddellite as components of salivary calculi. To our knowledge, no other studies have reported Struvite in salivary stones, whereas Weddellite has been identified in one study . The authors of this study hypothesize that Weddellite is an initial form of calcium crystallinization that subsequently converted into calcium apatite.…”

Oxalic Acid in Saliva, Teeth and Tooth Tartar

“…The oxalic acid concentrations given by these authors were lower than ours. Yamamoto et al (8) and Omori et al (21) found oxalic aeid in salivary stones and saw a close connection between their formation and oxalic acid.…”

“…Its salts, in particular calcium oxalate, can occur in various human tissues, including in salivary stones (8). It can thus be assumed that the teeth are continuously awash in oxalic acid through saliva.…”

Salivary stones: symptoms, aetiology, biochemical composition and treatment

“…Dissected submandibular salivary glands showed periductal and interlobular fibrosis, lymphocytic infiltration and atrophy of the acinar cells. [12][13][14] Salivary stones usually have a yellow or yellow-brown colour, and vary greatly in size and weight. The weight of salivary stones varies from 1 mg to almost 6 g, with an average weight of 300 mg. 15 Generally, submandibular stones are slightly larger than parotid stones (Table 2).…”