Black Hairy Tongue: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Treat It Safely
Seeing a dark, furry coating on your tongue can be alarming. Many people immediately assume an infection or a serious illness. In most cases, it is neither. This condition is known as black hairy tongue, and while it looks unusual, it is generally harmless and temporary. Black hairy tongue occurs when dead skin cells build up on the surface of the tongue instead of shedding naturally. These cells collect on tiny projections called filiform papillae, which normally remain very short. When they fail to shed, they grow longer and trap bacteria, food debris, and pigments, giving the tongue a dark, hair like appearance. Common Causes of Black Hairy Tongue Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause. When the tongue is not cleaned regularly, debris accumulates easily. Smoking and chewing tobacco also play a major role, as nicotine and tar stain the elongated papillae. Diet matters more than people realize. Soft foods do not provide enough friction to wear down the papillae. Excess...