Is your tongue taking on the appearance of being covered in black or similarly-colored hair? This is a condition known simply as black hairy tongue, a painless yet detrimental development that our Lynnwood dentistry clinic can help you with.
Black hairy tongue happens when the papillae on your tongue lengthen. This not only creates a hair-like appearance, but also captures bacteria and detritus within your mouth. The pigments from your food and bacteria will gradually turn the papillae black, or occasionally brown, yellow, green, or another color.
The causes of black hairy tongue are many, and include the following:
- Bad oral hygiene
- Smoking
- Drinking a lot of tea or coffee
- Antibiotics or medication
- Dehydration
- Mouthwash that contains peroxide, witch hazel, or menthol
- Radiation therapy in the head or neck
Getting rid of black hairy tongue is probably just a matter of improving your oral hygiene. In particular, start scraping your tongue if you do not already. Other than this, you might consider quitting smoking, drinking more water, or consulting your dentist for other options.
