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

Karabıyık A. E., Sumer T., Çam K., Semirgin S. U., Zengin A. Z.

CLINICAL ORAL INVESTIGATIONS, no.3, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00784-025-06228-1
  • Journal Name: CLINICAL ORAL INVESTIGATIONS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

AimWriting a letter to the editor.BackgroundSaliva 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 MethodsIs 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.ConclusionAs 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.