Abstract
Pediatric sialolithiasis is regarded as having a low incidence. In this study, we investigated the clinical findings of sialolithiasis in a 5 year-6-month-old boy, and examined the extracted salivary calculus using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Qualitative analysis using energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), and elemental mapping analysis using an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) were also conducted.A salivary calculus was detected around the aperture of his submandibular gland, based on his mother's complaint, although no subjective symptoms were found. The extraction was carried out by expanding the aperture with a small incision in the sublingual caruncle (i.e., a minimum invasion).SEM findings and the results of the qualitative analysis showed that the salivary calculus was discovered shortly after its formation.It is of tremendous importance to pay close attention not only to the teeth, gingiva, dentition and occlusion, but also to the entire oral cavity during an oral examination, although oral cavity management is conducted periodically in pediatric dentistry. Additionally, it may be necessary to direct mother's to observe soft tissues as well as teeth when they brush their children's teeth.
