Black hair like growth is seen on the tongue giving it dark appearance called black hairy tongue. Actually this distinct black overgrowth is due to the presence of bacteria and this phenomenon is temporary and harmless. Except for ugly look there will not be any pain on the tongue due to the growth of hair. And it does not require any treatment since it will resolve on its own.
Symptoms Of Black Hairy Tongue :
Dark colored hair or furry growth on the tongue is seen. This hairy growth will be either black or dark brown in color. Due to the presence of thick hair growth the entire tongue may look discolored and alarming. You may not feel the taste of any foods and some people may feel metallic taste in the place of original taste. Due to the presence of thick hair and bacterial growth there will be bad smell from the mouth.
Though there are few signs as mentioned above, there will not be any pain or discomfort on the tongue. But if you are concerned about the appearance or worried about the cosmetic looks then you can visit the doctor. Actually this hair like growth is due to the papillae or projective growth on the tongue that will not shed easily. Due to the accumulation of debris or bacteria there will be bad breath.
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Causes :
Black hairy tongue can occur due to improper brushing methods and poor dental hygiene. Exact cause of this problem is not known. It may develop due to changes in bacterial growth and due to breathing activity through the mouth instead of nose.
Intake of certain drugs that contain Pepto bismol or bismuth can cause this situation. It can occur when the person uses excess of tobacco or smoking. Sometimes overuse of mouthwashes that contain peroxide can cause this effect on the tongue. It can develop due to the usage of menthol compounds or astringent agents.
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Treatment :
No treatment is required for curing black hairy tongue. It will disappear in due course. But you need to follow good oral hygiene and does not give room for bacterial growth on the mouth. This is a temporary effect and does not cause any harm to the oral cavity. Stop smoking or using tobacco in any form. If you are still worried you can consult your dentist.
Flossing the teeth regularly will remove dead cells and bacteria growth from the tongue. This hair like growth and discoloration is due to the presence of excess of food particles on which bacteria or other micro-organisms grow.
Pictures of Black Hairy Tongue :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Black Hairy Tongue
Home Care :
Brush your teeth properly using gentle soft toothbrush. You can also use a tongue scraper for cleaning the tongue and removing leftover food particles. You can use toothpaste that contains fluoride for getting the best effect. Follow proper flossing technique for removing unwanted plaque from your mouth. Use mouthwash to destroy fungus from the oral cavity.
Check your teeth regularly by visiting the dentist and he will be able to fix this problem easily. If necessary he will prescribe you antibiotics for destroying the bacteria causing hair growth.