Question 1

can you get "hairy tongue" from smoking as a teenager?

Accepted Answer

Other things also: Not only can you get a hairy tongue from smoking, but more importantly and hopefully more scary would be the chance of getting oral cancer! noticing your age and if the question is, 'can i get black hairy tongue now from smoking when i was a teenage?' the answer is no. It would be from recent smoking.

Question 2

what is a hairy tongue?

Accepted Answer

Hairy tongue: Black hairy tongue is caused by elongation of papillae of the tongue, appear fur- like. It is not considered a disease. Good mouth hygiene recommended.

Question 3

how is a hairy tongue treated?

Accepted Answer

It is not: The condirtion is considered benign and does not require treatment.

Question 4

how is white hairy tongue treated?

Accepted Answer

No treatment: Hairy tongue is a benign condition by excessive growth of the taste buds.  Some folks think that irritants like tobacco smoke can worsen it.  It is harmless and is there is no proven effective treatment. Try not to worry about it.

Question 5

hairy tongue (need it cleared urgently), what to do?

Accepted Answer

Use a tongue scraper: Brush your tongue at least times a day and you can also get a tongue scraper at the drug store. Put it on the back of the tongue and slide it forward to clean the debris off your tongue.  Rinsing with warm salt water will also help

Question 6

how to treat hairy tongue?

Accepted Answer

See your Dentist: Generally these are fungal infections and easily treated.

Question 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

is there a cure for white hairy tongue? had this for years?

Accepted Answer

: Has your dentist,ENT specialist or oral surgeon confirmed the diagnosis or recommended treatment for it through the years? I can't think there's a fungal infection or serious disorder after all these years. Are you symptomatic from it? Consider a second opinion at a department of oral surgery at a dental school near you.

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Doctor answers about:

Smoking hairy tongue

A member asked:

Can you get "hairy tongue" from smoking as a teenager?

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What is a hairy tongue?

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How is a hairy tongue treated?

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How is white hairy tongue treated?

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Hairy tongue (need it cleared urgently), what to do?

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How to treat hairy tongue?

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How common black hairy tongue?

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Is black hairy tongue dangerous?

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What causes a black hairy tongue?

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Is there a cure for white hairy tongue? had this for years?

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