Question 1

how common  black hairy tongue?

Accepted Answer

Unknown: I don't think there have been any studies on this subject. It can range from mild to severe. I see mild cases often but only occasionally a severe case.

Question 2

is black hairy tongue dangerous?

Accepted Answer

no: Many people have black or even white hair tongue-some various causes-anemia-gastric upsets -heavy smokers -radiation treatment-not dangerous- brush tongue  to keep it clean.

Question 3

what causes a black hairy tongue?

Accepted Answer

Tongue papillae: The tongue is coated with taste receptors termed papillae.  These normally stay short from food chewing and constant rubbing in normal activity of the mouth.  If they grow longer, they can be stained darker by food and other substances in the mouth.  It is not harmful and is not pathologic.  You can lessen it by brushing the tongue as well as your teeth with your toothbrush.

Question 4

how do you know when you are starting to get a black hairy tongue?

Accepted Answer

Tongue appears hairy: The hairy appearance is due to the elongation of keratinized filiform papillae, which may have different colors varying from white, yellow, brown, to black depending upon the involved extrinsic factors (ie, tobacco, coffee, tea, or food) and intrinsic factors (ie, chromogenic organisms in the normal flora).

Question 5

can penicillin cause a black hairy tongue?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but rare: Black hairy tongue is a possible side effect of penicillin but extremely rare.

Question 6

black hairy tongue is caused by what problems?

Accepted Answer

See below: Black hairy tongue (in latin, lingua villosa nigra) is usually caused by some sort of rubbing sown of the papilla of the tongue so when they grow back they are longer and look "hairy."  th tissue then can get stained by a number of chemical s or drugs like pepto-bismol and look black.  Is is also a side effect of bulemia but by itself, it is harmless.

Question 7

can black hairy tongue make you ill? i take a lot of pepto.

Accepted Answer

no: It is usually not related to any disease... But more related to what you put in your mouth..

Question 8

can scraper get rid of black hairy tongue ?

Accepted Answer

It may: Scraping or brushing with a toothbrush may help.  Heavy smoking and bad oral hygiene make it worse.

Question 9

can a tongue scraper get rid of black hairy tongue?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The tongue is coated with taste receptors termed papillae.  These normally stay short from food chewing and constant rubbing in normal activity of the mouth.  If they grow longer, they can be stained darker by food and other substances in the mouth.  It is not harmful and is not pathologic.  You can lessen it by scraping the tongue with a scraper if you are diligent.

Question 10

a black hairy tongue is a coating or is a real change in the tongue?

Accepted Answer

Real change: The cause is uncertain, but hairy tounge mainly affects people who are heavy smokers.  It has also been associated with poor oral hygiene.  Scraping or brushing of the tounge can sometimes help.

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Doctor answers about:

Black hairy tongue

A member asked:

How common black hairy tongue?

A member asked:

Is black hairy tongue dangerous?

A member asked:

What causes a black hairy tongue?

A member asked:

How do you know when you are starting to get a black hairy tongue?

A member asked:

Can penicillin cause a black hairy tongue?

A member asked:

Black hairy tongue is caused by what problems?

A member asked:

Can black hairy tongue make you ill? i take a lot of pepto.

A member asked:

Can scraper get rid of black hairy tongue ?

A member asked:

Can a tongue scraper get rid of black hairy tongue?

A member asked:

A black hairy tongue is a coating or is a real change in the tongue?

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