A few weeks ago i noticed both sides of my tonuge are slighty black. what can cause this and should i be concerned? i am a smoker but other than that i am healthy

Sources : Sources of black tongue include bismuth edications; i.e., Bismuth Subsalicylate or pepto bismal. Coffee, smoking or chewing tobacco can cause the tongue to be brown to black. In chinese medicine, a black tongue represents stagnation of blood and too much heat in the blood. Please be aware that your tobacco use increases your chances of developing a cancer in your mouth, lung cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

Most : Most often black on your tongue is due to things you have eaten - as my colleague stated. Smoking, beside being incredibly bad for you systemically as well as bad for your lungs and mouth, will also stain your teeth and tongue. Often times, regular brushing of your tongue will keep it clean from stain as well as freshen your breath.

One : One possibility not mentioned is black hairy tongue. 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.

The : The other doctors have provided excellent input. I would like to suggest a couple of things here. 1) please make an appointment with your dentist to have this checked out. However minor the problem, a simple consult could tell you if there is something you should be concerned about or not. 2) please consider quitting smoking. It is the one of the leading risk factors of many problems. I am very happy for you that you are healthy and wish you many many many more years of excellent health. Good luck!