Black tongue, or melanoglossia, is a harmless condition where the tongue becomes dark or black due to an overgrowth of bacteria or fungi, medication use, poor oral hygiene, or radiation treatment. It can be treated with home care, but persistent cases may require medication prescribed by a doctor.
Black tongue, also known as melanoglossia, is a condition in which the surface of the tongue becomes dark or black. It can also become rough and develop a hairy appearance, in which case the condition may be known as black hairy tongue. Although this condition seems unsightly, it is usually not harmful and in most cases it can be treated with care at home. In some cases, however, it may be necessary for someone with this problem to see a doctor for a prescription.
There are a number of causes for black tongue. It can be caused by an overgrowth of fungi or bacteria in the mouth, in which case medications to limit the growth may be needed, and has been linked to a number of medications, including antibiotics and medications that contain bismuth. Smokers, the elderly, people with poor oral hygiene, and people undergoing radiation treatments are all at risk of developing this condition.
Treatment usually involves scraping the tongue with a scraper or brushing it with a toothbrush, as well as practicing better oral hygiene, with regular tooth brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. If the problem is persistent, a healthcare professional can take a culture of the black growth to find out what it is and recommend a medication to manage it.
This condition usually starts as a series of dark spots on the tongue, which gradually merge to form one large dark spot. The tongue may feel heavy or rough in the mouth and the sense of taste may be disrupted. In some cases, the taste buds, also called taste buds, can swell and stretch, contributing to the rough appearance. People sometimes develop black tongue at night, often after taking a medication and not brushing their teeth, and it can be surprising to wake up.
When this problem develops, patients may choose to try home care to manage it. If a patient is taking medications, it’s a good idea to report black tongue to a doctor, in case it’s an unexpected side effect. Similarly, patients with compromised immune systems should talk to their doctor about any unusual symptoms or medical conditions that arise, so he or she can decide whether or not the patient needs treatment. As with all conditions that can be managed at home, if the problem doesn’t clear up after several days to a week of treatment, it’s best to speak to a healthcare professional.
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