Description

Black hairy tongue is a condition of the tongue that gives a dark color, looks furry. The appearance is often the result of an accumulation of dead skin cells on the many tiny, rounded bumps on the surface of the tongue. These bumps, called papillae, contain taste buds. When these bumps are more long than usual, which can easily trap and be stained by tobacco, the food, the drinks, the bacteria or fungi, or other substances.

Black hairy tongue may look alarming, but it is usually painless and does not cause any health problem. The condition usually disappears by dealing with the causes and regular mouth and tongue cleaning.

Symptoms

The symptoms of black hairy tongue include:

  • The black color of the tongue, but the color can be brown, green, yellow, or white.
  • A hairy or furry look to the language.
  • Changed the taste or metallic taste in your mouth.
  • The bad breath.
  • Nausea or a tingling sensation in the mouth, if the buds are very large.
  • Rarely, a burning sensation in the tongue if black furry tongue is caused by a yeast or bacterial infection.

When to see a doctor

Although it's not looking good, black hairy tongue is usually a harmless condition. It is usually short-term when taken measures to get rid of or manage the cause.

Consult with your healthcare provider or dentist if:

  • You don't know what is causing black hairy tongue, and you want to talk about what steps to take.
  • You are worried that it could be related to a health problem.
  • Black hairy tongue does not go away even if you brush your teeth and tongue twice a day.

Causes

Black hairy tongue usually happens when the many small, rounded bumps on the tongue, called papillae, grow too long because it does not shed dead cells from the skin. Food, beverages, tobacco, bacteria or fungi, and other substances that may be trapped in the papilla and stain them. This makes the tongue looks dark and hairy.

The cause of black hairy tongue may not always be found. The possible causes of black hairy tongue include:

  • The changes in the healthy bacteria or yeast is found in the mouth while taking antibiotics.
  • Poor cleaning of the mouth and tongue.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Eat a soft diet that did not help to rub dead skin cells from your tongue.
  • The regular use of mouthwashes that have oxidizing agents such as benzoyl peroxide, which can irritate the mouth.
  • The use of tobacco.
  • Drink a lot of coffee or black tea.
  • Regularly drinking large amounts of alcohol.
  • Certain medications.
  • Have a condition that reduces your ability to fight infections, such as cancer or HIV .

Risk factors

Poor mouth and the cleaning of the tongue, dry mouth, and to eat only soft foods may increase the risk of black hairy tongue.

If you're a man, or an older adult, if you smoke or if you have had hairy black tongue in the past, you may have an increased risk of the disease.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of black hairy tongue is based on how their tongue looks and the possible causes or risk factors. The development of a diagnosis also includes checking for other conditions that can cause a similar appearance to the tongue, such as:

  • The normal differences in the language of color.
  • Foods or medications that have stained the tongue.
  • Fungal or viral infections.
  • The patches that occur on the tongue, such as hairy leukoplakia oral.
  • Blackened tongue, called pseudo-black hairy tongue. This may happen if you use products containing bismuth, such as Pepto-Bismol.

Treatment

Black hairy tongue usually do not need medical treatment. Although it may not look good, it is usually short-term, harmless condition.

Good mouth and tongue cleaning can help get rid of black hairy tongue. So that you can stop the things that can lead to the condition, for example, do not use tobacco or irritating mouthwashes. Do not stop any medication without talking to your health care professional in the first place.

If you smoke, talk with your health care team about the options to quit smoking, including smoking cessation programs. These used techniques proven to help people quit smoking.

Lifestyle and home remedies

To keep the mouth and the tongue healthy:

  • Brush your tongue. Give your tongue a soft brushed every time you brush your teeth. This removes the dead cells, bacteria and food bits. Use a soft-bristled brush or flexible with a tongue scraper.
  • Brush your teeth after you eat. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and preferably after every meal. Use a toothpaste with fluoride.
  • Floss at least once a day. Proper use of dental floss removes bits of food and plaque between the teeth.
  • Visit your dentist regularly. Get professional dental cleanings and regular mouth of the tests. This can prevent problems or to help your dentist to spot early. Your dentist can let you know how often you should visit.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables.

Preparing for your appointment

Here is the information to help you prepare for your appointment and know what to expect from your medical doctor or dentist.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

  • The symptoms that you are having. Include any that do not seem to be related to the reason for your appointment.
  • All medicines. List of prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs, supplements and medicines you can buy without a prescription. Include the dose that you take.
  • Questions to ask your medical doctor or dentist.

Some questions are:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms?
  • What is the best plan to treat my condition?
  • There is something I should do or not do to help this condition get better?
  • What type of follow-up, if any, should I have?

Feel free to ask questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor or dentist

Your healthcare provider or dentist you can ask questions, such as:

  • When did you first notice the symptoms?
  • Do your symptoms come and go, or do not always have?
  • How often do you brush your teeth or clean your dentures?
  • How often do you floss?
  • What kind of mouthwash you use?
  • The amount of coffee or tea do you drink?
  • Does the use of tobacco products?
  • What medications, herbal products or other supplements you take?
  • Do you breathe through your mouth?
  • You have recently had any type of infection or disease?

Be prepared to answer questions that you have time to talk about what's most important to you.

Symptoms and treatment of Black hairy tongue