Black hairy tongue & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is black hairy tongue?

Black hairy tongue is a temporary and harmless condition that causes a dark, hairy appearance on the tongue. This condition is caused by the buildup of dead skin cells on small dots (papillae) on the surface of the tongue that contain the sense of taste. These papillae, which are longer than normal, are easy to trap and stain by tobacco, food or other substances, and bacteria or fungi.

Although black hairy tongue can look worrisome, it usually doesn't cause any health problems and isn't painful. Black hairy tongue will usually get better on its own without medical treatment.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of black hairy tongue?

The symptoms of black hairy tongue include:

• Black discoloration of the tongue, can also be brown, green, yellow or white
• Hairy look on the tongue
• Change in taste or there is a metallic taste in the mouth
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Choking or tingling sensation, if the papillae are overgrown.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How to treat black hairy tongue?

To maintain good oral health and combat tongue discoloration:

• Brush your tongue. Brush your tongue gently when you brush your teeth to remove dead cells, bacteria and food debris. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles or a flexible tongue brush.
• Brush your teeth after eating or drinking. Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day, ideally after every meal, with fluorine toothpaste. If you can't brush your teeth after eating, try gargling with water.
• Floss every day. Flossing your teeth properly can remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth.
• Visit the dentist regularly. Get professional dental cleaning and regular oral check-ups, which can help the dentist prevent problems or treat them early. Your dentist can recommend a schedule for you.

When should I see a dentist?

Although it makes the appearance unattractive, black hairy tongue is usually a temporary and harmless condition.

See a doctor if:

• You worry about the appearance of your tongue.
• Black hairy tongue doesn't go away even after brushing your teeth and tongue 2 times a day.

Prevention

How to prevent black hairy tongue?

Good oral hygiene is important to prevent black hairy tongue. Brushing the tongue will remove the papillae and prevent them from growing too much. Brushing your tongue can also freshen your breath. Quitting smoking can also help prevent black hairy tongue.

If you have a disease such as diabetes, visit your doctor regularly to control it.

Brushing and flossing is important during chemotherapy and radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. During treatment, visit the dentist regularly. The dentist will look for any conditions or infections in the mouth that could be related to cancer treatment.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.