Black hairy tongue

Overview

The tongue can temporarily develop black hairy tongue, a harmless condition that gives the tongue a dark, fuzzy appearance. 

The look often results from an accumulation of dead skin cells on the tiny, rounded bumps on the tongue’s surface, called papillae, which contain taste buds. When these bumps grow longer than normal, they can easily trap substances like tobacco, food, beverages, bacteria, yeast, or other particles, causing discoloration.

Tobacco usage, certain medications, and poor oral hygiene are just a few of the factors that might produce black hairy tongue. 

Although it may seem concerning, black hairy tongue is typically painless and carries no health risks. Treating the underlying reasons and maintaining regular tongue and mouth hygiene usually eliminates the condition.

Symptoms

The tongue’s appearance is typically only symptom, and it does not cause any pain. In certain situations, other symptoms that might appear are as follows: 

• The tongue is black, though it can also be brown, green, yellow, or white.
• A fluffy or hairy appearance on the tongue.
• Bad breath 
• A metallic aftertaste or changed taste. 
• If the papillae are very large, a gag or tickling sensation may occur in the mouth.
• If a bacterial or yeast infection is the source of hairy black tongue, a burning sensation on the tongue may happen.

Black hairy tongue may seem concerning, but it’s typically a temporary and harmless condition. With proper care, it usually resolves quickly. The majority of the time, symptoms of black hairy tongue go away on their own in one to two weeks. 

If someone has black hairy tongue and isn’t sure of the cause, it’s advisable to see a doctor or dentist. They can help identify any underlying health issues or recommend treatment options. Consulting a specialist can also offer a prompt solution and valuable guidance, especially if the problem persists despite regular brushing and twice-daily tongue cleaning.

Causes

The papillae, which are tiny, rounded bumps on the tongue, may develop excessively long because they do not shed dead skin cells, which is the usual cause of black hairy tongue. Staining substances that can become deposited on the papillae include food, beverages, tobacco, bacteria, and yeast. This gives the tongue a hairy, black appearance.

The following causes black hairy tongue:

• Changes in the good bacteria or yeast that are present in the mouth after taking antibiotics.
• Poor oral hygiene (cleaning of the mouth and tongue).
• Dry mouth.
• Consuming a soft diet may not effectively exfoliate dead skin cells from the tongue.
• Frequently utilizing mouthwashes containing oxidizing chemicals, including peroxide, which may cause oral irritation.
• Tobacco usage.
• Frequently consuming black tea or coffee.
• Frequently consuming significant quantities of alcohol.
• Specific medications.
• Suffering from a disease like HIV or cancer that impairs immunity against pathogens.
• Radiation therapy. 

Risk factors

Black hairy tongue risk factors include eating only soft foods, dry mouth, and poor mouth and tongue cleanliness.

An individual may be more susceptible to the condition if they are male, older, smoke, or have ever had hairy black tongue.