Is hairy tongue dangerous? my boyfriend has developed hairy tongue and we don't know why. it looks disgusting, but is there anything we might have to worry about health-wise?

Sounds : Sounds like he has black hairy tongue. The bacterial makeup of his mouth has changed. Is he on antibiotics? Taking certain medications? Heavy tobacco use? Oral hygiene? It doesn't typically require medical treatment, and its temporary. If it has not resolved itself in a week to 10 days, see your physician for an exam. Please see below link.

Black, : Black, hairy tongue is a temporary, harmless (benign), painless oral condition that gives your tongue a dark, furry appearance. The distinct look of black, hairy tongue usually results from an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth. Although black, hairy tongue may look alarming, it doesn't cause any health problems. Black, hairy tongue usually resolves without medical treatment. Signs and symptoms of black, hairy tongue include: black, yellow or brown discoloration of the tongue a hairy or furry appearance of the tongue altered taste or metallic taste in mouth bad breath (halitosis) gagging sensation in some people black, hairy tongue typically results when projections on the tongue called papillae grow longer (elongate) and don't shed like normal. This makes the tongue look hairy. Debris, bacteria or other organisms can collect on the papillae and result in black, yellow or brown discoloration. The cause of black, hairy tongue can't always be determined. However, potential causes include: changes in the normal bacteria or yeast content of the mouth following antibiotic use poor oral hygiene breathing through your mouth medications containing bismuth, such as pepto-bismol regular use of mouthwashes containing oxidizing agents, such as peroxide, or astringent agents, such as witch hazel or menthol heavy tobacco use when to see a doctor though unattractive, black, hairy tongue is usually a temporary, harmless condition. See your doctor if: you're concerned about the appearance of your tongue your signs and symptoms persist for more than 10 days black, hairy tongue typically doesn't require medical treatment. Though unattractive, it's a temporary, harmless condition. Practicing good oral hygiene and eliminating factors that potentially contribute to the condition — such as tobacco use or medications that contain bismuth — help resolve black, hairy tongue. Talk to your doctor or dentist before discontinuing a prescribed medication. Source: mayo clinic web site mayo clinic - black hairy tongue.

€œBlack : “black hairy tongue” is the medical terminology for the “hairy tongue” and it is a condition in which the surface of the tongue turns dark or black. The tongue may also become rough, and develop a hairy appearance, that would the reason for its name "black hairy tongue". The condition is not usually harmful, and it can be resolved with care at home in most cases, although in some instances it may be necessary to see a doctor for a prescription. There are a number of causes for black tongue. It can be caused by an overgrowth of fungi or bacteria in the mouth, in which case drugs may be needed to limit the growth, another reason could be linked with a number of medications including antibiotics and drugs which contain bismuth. The treatment for black tongue usually involves scraping the tongue or brushing it with a toothbrush, and if not resolved as previously mentioned, medications will be the alternative treatment of choice. I hope this brief will satiate your inquiry. Good luck!