It is not a question you want a friend or family member to ask. Stand in front of a well-lit mirror, stick out your tongue and check:
- Is your tongue discolored?
- Does it look furry or hairy?
- Do you have bad breath or a metallic taste in your mouth?
What Is Black Hairy Tongue?
Black hairy tongue is a temporary, harmless condition that gives the tongue a dark, furry look. It usually comes from dead skin cells building up on the tiny projections on the tongue’s surface (the papillae) that hold the taste buds.
Possible Causes
The cause is not always clear, but common contributors include:
- Changes in the normal bacteria or yeast in the mouth after taking antibiotics
- Poor oral hygiene
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Regular use of mouthwashes with harsh oxidizing agents such as peroxide
- Tobacco use
- Lots of coffee or black tea
- Heavy alcohol use
- A soft diet that does not help rub dead cells off the tongue
How to Treat It
- Keep up good oral hygiene: thorough brushing, flossing and rinsing help prevent it.
- Scrape your tongue: a tongue scraper removes the buildup on the papillae.
- Review your medications: sometimes the condition clears once a medication is stopped. Ask your doctor before stopping anything; there may be an alternative.
- Drop the habits: smoking, heavy drinking and some drugs can cause it. Cutting back helps.
- Watch what you drink: dark drinks like black tea and coffee stain the papillae. Choose water more often.
Keep Your Mouth Healthy
Our team at Main Street Dental Smiles is always happy to help. Regular cleanings and exams keep your whole mouth, tongue included, in good health. Call (903) 564-3451 to schedule a visit.