The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and the mechanism of submandibular gland (SMG) metastasis in oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas (OCSCC). In a retrospective study, the authors analysed total 230 patients over period of one year who underwent neck dissection and SMG removal as part of neck dissection. Metastasis to submandibular gland was not found in any of the cases. Metastatic SMG infiltration are very rare and infrequent. Preservation of submandibular glands can be a considered in patients undergoing prophylactic neck dissection or contralateral side in case of bilateral neck dissection if there is no clinical and radiological SMG gland infiltration.