Objective To study the effects of radiation on the morphology, function, and NLRP3 expression of mouse salivary gland tissue, and provide new ideas to repair radiation-induced damage to salivary gland tissue. Methods We established a mouse model of radiation-induced submandibular gland injury and Recorded the weight of drinking water.The salivary flow rate was assessed, and HE staining was used to observe submandibular gland injury.Immunohistochemistry and Real-time PCR were used to assess expression of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in the radiation-injured submandibular gland of mice at 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after radiation exposure. Results Over time, the amount of water consumed by radiation group mice was gradually increased, the salivary flow rate was decreased, and inflammatory cells in the submandibular gland continued to increase. Acinar cells gradually showed lesions, such as nuclear pyknosis and vacuolization. At 7 and 14 days after radiation exposure, expression levels of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 proteins and genes in the radiation group were significantly higher than those in the normal group (P<0. 05). Conclusions Radiation damages mouse submandibular gland tissue and activates the NLRP3 inflammasome to increase its expression level.