Are dental professionals aware of the discovery of newly identified salivary glands? Is there a debate about this discovery?

AIM

Writing a letter to the editor.

BACKGROUND

Saliva plays a crucial role in chewing, swallowing, digestion, taste, and oral hygiene. In addition to the three major salivary glands in humans (parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands), the existence of small salivary glands scattered in the submucosa of the nasopharynx and oropharynx is also known.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Is it a new organ? This discovery has attracted significant attention from the scientific community but has also raised questions and sparked debates. Should the tubarial glands be classified as major or minor salivary glands, or as a separate organ? For a structure to be classified as an organ, it must have a distinct shape and structure, consist of multiple tissue types, and perform specific functions.

CONCLUSION

As we know, the definition and recognition of an organ must be based on scientific foundations. More research is needed on tubarial glands, and it seems that this discussion will continue for some time. Our purpose in writing this letter is to raise awareness of this issue among dental professionals.