Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
Reading time: four minutes.
You look in the mirror and notice your tongue looks different. You get a little closer and see that it actually looks black.
Don’t panic. This harmless condition is known as black hairy tongue or melanoglossia. Although it is alarming, it’s not a life-threatening condition.
In this blog, we will explain what black hairy tongue is, what causes it, symptoms, treatments, and when to consult a dentist.
Table of Contents
- What Is Black Hairy Tongue?
- Causes of Black Hairy Tongue
- Symptoms of Black Hairy Tongue
- Treatment for Black Hairy Tongue
- Prevention Tips for Black Hairy Tongue
- FAQs About Black Hairy Tongue
- Visit Clearwater Dentistry – Your Friendly Dentist in Greeley
Key Takeaway
Your tongue may appear black and “hairy” due to a buildup of dead cells on the surface, caused by poor oral hygiene, certain medications, and lifestyle habits. To fix it, gently brush your tongue daily, stay hydrated, reduce coffee, tea, and tobacco, and rinse your mouth after meals. If symptoms persist, consult a dentist for further guidance.
What Is Black Hairy Tongue?
Black hairy tongue syndrome, medically known as lingua villosa nigra or melanoglossia, is a condition where the tongue’s surface appears black and hair-like.
This happens due to the overgrowth of filiform papillae and accumulation of dead cells on the filiform papillae (taste buds on the tongue’s surface), which creates a hairy appearance on the tongue’s dorsal surface.
It is a benign condition, which means it is not dangerous, but it can cause discomfort and affect oral health if not managed.
Causes of Black Hairy Tongue
Various factors can lead to this condition. Below are some of the main causes:
🪥 Poor oral hygiene: Bacteria, fungi, and food debris accumulate on the tongue’s surface.
🚭 Lifestyle habits: Smoking, drinking excessive coffee or tea, and poor dietary choices.
🍌 Soft diet: Hard foods scrape, or clean the tongue surface and encourage shedding of the papillae. If you eat a soft food diet for a prolonged period, bacteria will build up on the tongue, leading to this condition.
💊 Medications: Some drugs, like bismuth-containing medications, can lead to drug-induced black hairy tongue.
🥵 Dry mouth: Reduced saliva flow affects the mouth’s ability to cleanse itself.
☢️ Radiation therapy: Especially for head and neck cancers, radiation can alter the tongue’s patterns of keratin expression.
🦷 Swishing with hydrogen peroxide: DIY hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening may irritate the tongue and contribute to black discoloration.
Symptoms of Black Hairy Tongue
Most people experience a few distinct symptoms with black hairy tongue. Here is what to watch for:
- Black discoloration: The tongue may appear black, brown, or even green, depending on food and drink stains.
- Hair-like appearance: Elongated papillae create a furry texture.
- Bad breath: Bacterial overgrowth causes bad breath.
- Metallic taste: Some people report a metallic taste in their mouth.
- Thick texture: The buildup of dead skin cells gives the tongue a thicker, carpet-like texture.
Treatment for Black Hairy Tongue
Treatment involves improving oral hygiene and possibly using medication. Here is a breakdown of effective methods:
1. Improve Oral Hygiene
Maintain good oral hygiene to reverse black hairy tongue.
- Brush your tongue: Use a soft toothbrush or a tongue scraper to remove dead skin cells and food debris.
- Rinse regularly: Rinse your mouth with plain water after meals and beverages.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent dry mouth, and promote natural cleansing.
2. Modify Lifestyle Habits
If you smoke, drink excessive amounts of coffee, or use medications that could stain the tongue, consider making these changes:
- Quit smoking: Tobacco can contribute significantly to a hairy appearance on the tongue.
- Reduce staining beverages: Limit coffee and tea consumption, or rinse your mouth with water afterward.
3. Consult a Dentist for Persistent Symptoms
If black hairy tongue persists, consult a dentist. They may recommend the following:
- Antifungal medications: In some cases, an antifungal treatment may help reduce fungal overgrowth.
- Mechanical debridement: For severe cases, dentists use gentle scraping or debridement to remove excess keratin from the tongue.
Prevention Tips for Black Hairy Tongue
Black hairy tongue can be prevented with a few adjustments to your daily routine:
- Brush and rinse daily: Gently brush your tongue twice a day and rinse with water after meals.
- Avoid offending agents: Limit or avoid smoking and excessive coffee drinking.
- Stay hydrated: Drink enough water to support your mouth’s natural cleansing process.
- Maintain regular dental visits: Schedule routine dental check-ups to monitor oral health, including potential tongue changes.
FAQs About Black Hairy Tongue
No, it is a non-contagious and benign condition.
With proper care, symptoms often resolve within a few weeks.
It can cause bad breath or discomfort, but it is harmless.
Visit Clearwater Dentistry – Your Friendly Dentist in Greeley
For your peace of mind and to prevent any potential oral health issues, schedule an appointment with us today! Our team will assess your oral health and provide the best treatment options for you.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Greeley, CO, call (970) 515-3550 or complete the online inquiry form. Whether you have concerns about your tongue or simply need a routine check up and cleaning, we are here to help.
