Black hairy tongue is a benign condition caused by an overabundance of oral bacteria. Symptoms include a black and hairy tongue, metallic taste, bad breath, and vomiting. Treatment involves good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
As the name suggests, black hairy tongue is a condition where the tongue turns black and takes on a somewhat hairy appearance. The tongue may also appear brown, yellow, or slightly orange, although the unsettling blurriness will almost always be a constant. This is not a serious condition, in most cases, and is caused by bacteria.
Despite the appearance, contracting black hairy tongue is no reason to panic. To begin with, it is a benign condition and is not symptomatic of a serious or life-threatening disease. If someone wakes up in the morning with this, they shouldn’t worry too much. This is a temporary condition caused by an overabundance of oral bacteria. It usually goes away on its own, without any kind of medical treatment.
Symptoms, in addition to the person’s tongue being black and hairy, may include an iron or metallic taste in the mouth. Bad breath is also common, as is a feeling of vomiting. What appears to be hair growth on the tongue is actually filiform papillae – those little bumps on the tongue that make it abrasive – that have become stretched due to bacteria. Despite all of this, the only reason someone might need to see a doctor is if symptoms persist for more than ten days.
Although bacteria are the culprits that cause black hairy tongue, the reasons why such bacteria develop is open to debate. Poor oral hygiene is likely, and normal mouth bacteria may undergo a change if you are taking antibiotics. Certain mouthwashes and antacid products, especially those containing peroxide or bismuth, respectively, could contribute to the problem. Heavy smoking almost certainly makes you more prone to this condition, as does heavy coffee or tea consumption.
Treating this problem is simple: the individual should ensure that they brush their teeth with a fluoride toothpaste after each meal. Flossing your teeth every day is both a preventative measure and a way to help dispel black hairy tongue. This is especially true as a person gets older, as the condition becomes more common with age. Last but certainly not least, people should follow the conventional wisdom of keeping up with regular dentist appointments, following the dentist’s instructions, and taking part in regular cleanings.
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