<i>Trpv1</i> ⁺ sensory innervation of the salivary gland drives pain and supports saliva secretion

<jats:p> Sensory neurons have been increasingly recognized as vital contributors to deep tissue function. However, how these specialized neurons contribute to salivary gland function remains largely undefined. Here, we uncover a role for trigeminal somatosensory afferents in salivary gland perception and function using in situ-based classification, in vivo calcium imaging, behavioral assays, and targeted ablation. Retrograde labeling from the submandibular gland complex revealed substantial direct innervation from trigeminal neurons. Further categorization confirmed that <jats:italic>Trpv1</jats:italic> <jats:sup>+</jats:sup> sensory neurons provided dense innervation of the Whartons ducts. TRPV1 agonist ductal infusion directly activated gland complex-associated neurons in the trigeminal ganglia and evoked a robust pain phenotype. Targeted <jats:italic>Trpv1</jats:italic> <jats:sup>+</jats:sup> ablation disrupted Whartons duct structure and dramatically reduced stimulated saliva volume. Our work provides the first evidence that <jats:italic>Trpv1</jats:italic> <jats:sup>+</jats:sup> sensory neurons maintain salivary architecture and are necessary for stimulated saliva production, revealing a vital interoceptive role for direct trigeminal innervation in submandibular gland health. </jats:p>