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27 years
How serious is the black hair tongue? I noticed today that the back of my tongue is all black with a weird texture. How to treat it?
Jun 13, 2015

Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
A black hairy tongue is a benign self-limited condition, and the most annoying aspect of it is the appearance of the tongue, which turns brown or black,and the taste buds grow longer than usual because they do not shed off as frequently as usual. So the tongue gets a hairy appearance. Debris, bacteria or other organisms can collect on the taste buds leading to the formation of the dark color.
It's not always possible to figure out the cause of black hairy tongue. However, potential causes include:
- Changes in the normal bacteria or yeast content of the mouth following a course of antibiotics (the oral cavity normally has harmless bacteria)
Poor oral hygiene
Dry mouth
Regular use of mouthwashes that contain oxidizing agents, such as peroxide, or astringent agents, such as witch hazel or menthol
Tobacco use
Irritation due to drinking hot beverages, such as coffee or tea
If any of the above listed causes is pertinent to your case, then you will need to omit it from your regular practices. It's always a good idea to visit your dentist's clinic.
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