Black hairy tongue is a condition that affects the appearance and texture of your tongue. It isn't serious, but it can be unpleasant and can negatively affect your quality of life. This blog post explains what causes black hairy tongue, how to recognize its symptoms, how to diagnose it, how to treat it, and how to prevent it.
In black hairy tongue, the small bumps on your tongue, called filiform papillae, grow longer and thicker than usual. They also trap food particles, bacteria, yeast, and dead skin cells, which give them a dark color. The color can be black, brown, green, white, or yellow, depending on the substance that is stuck on the papillae.
This is not a sign of poor hygiene, but it can be caused by your oral care habits and lifestyle choices. It does not cause pain or harm to your tongue.
The exact cause of black hairy tongue is not known, but there are several factors that can increase your risk of developing it. These include:
Drinking a lot of coffee or tea, which can stain your tongue.
Smoking tobacco or using other tobacco products, which can irritate your tongue and dry out your mouth.
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, which can also dry out your mouth and alter the balance of bacteria and yeast in your mouth.
Taking certain medications, especially antibiotics, antihistamines, antipsychotics, and bismuth-containing drugs, which can affect the growth and shedding of your papillae.
Using some mouthwashes, especially those that contain peroxide or chlorhexidine, which can also affect your papillae and stain your tongue.
Having a dry mouth, which can reduce the saliva production and the natural cleaning of your tongue.
Having a compromised immune system, which can make you more prone to infections and fungal overgrowth in your mouth.
Receiving radiation therapy to the head or neck, which can damage the cells and tissues in your mouth.
You may notice that your tongue looks hairy, furry, velvety, and that it has a dark or discolored coating. You may also experience some other symptoms, such as:
A bad taste in your mouth or a metallic taste.
Bad breath or halitosis.
A burning, tickling, or gagging sensation on your tongue or in your throat.
A change in your sense of taste or a loss of taste.
Nausea or vomiting.
You may be asked about your medical history, medications, oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle factors by your dentist or doctor when they examine your tongue for black hairy tongue. They may also take a small sample of your tongue and send it to a laboratory for further testing in some cases. By doing so, you can rule out other conditions that may appear similar, including oral thrush, oral cancer, and leukoplakia.
In most cases, black hairy tongue can be treated at home with simple steps. The main goal of treatment is to remove the excess buildup of substances on your tongue and to restore the normal function and appearance of your papillae. Here are some steps you can take to treat black hairy tongue:
Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to keep your mouth clean and healthy.
Brush your tongue gently with a soft toothbrush or a tongue scraper to remove the debris and bacteria from your tongue. You can also use a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide or baking soda to rinse your tongue and mouth.
Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated to prevent dry mouth and to flush out any substances from your tongue and mouth.
Avoid or limit the consumption of coffee, tea, alcohol, and tobacco, which can worsen the condition and stain your tongue.
Stop or change any medications that may be causing your black hairy tongue, after consulting with your doctor. You may also need to take an antifungal medication if you have a fungal infection on your tongue.
Use a mild or natural mouthwash that does not contain peroxide or chlorhexidine, which can irritate your tongue and affect your papillae.
Eat a balanced diet that includes crunchy fruits and vegetables, which can help stimulate and clean your tongue.
Black hairy tongue can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding or modifying the factors that can cause it. Some of the preventive measures you can take are:
Brush your teeth and tongue regularly and thoroughly, and use dental floss and mouthwash as recommended by your dentist.
Drink enough water and avoid dehydration, which can cause dry mouth and affect your tongue health.
Quit smoking or using tobacco products, which can harm your oral health and increase your risk of various diseases.
Limit your intake of coffee, tea, alcohol, and other beverages and foods that can stain your tongue and alter the balance of bacteria and yeast in your mouth.
Review your medications with your doctor and see if any of them can cause black hairy tongue. If possible, switch to a different medication or adjust the dosage or frequency of use.
Boost your immune system by eating a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and managing your stress levels.
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings, and report any changes or problems with your tongue or mouth.
Black hairy tongue is a condition that affects the appearance and texture of your tongue, making it look hairy and discolored. It is not a serious health problem, but it can be unpleasant and affect your quality of life. Poor oral hygiene, certain medications, tobacco use, and other factors can affect the growth and shedding of tongue papillae, which can lead to the condition. The condition can be treated at home by brushing your tongue, drinking water, and avoiding the triggers. It can also be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding or modifying the risk factors. It is important to consult your dentist or doctor if you have black hairy tongue for diagnosis and treatment, and to rule out any other underlying conditions that may affect it.
