Have you heard of Black Hairy Tongue?

Although it is not seen often, we thought we should share this information with you. Black Hairy Tongue is not a disease, it is a condition. Black hairy tongue is the lengthening of the bumps (papillae) on the surface of the tongue. Usually the ends of the papillae get rubbed away by food but sometimes they grow much longer than normal, making the tongue look furry. The extra tissue can get stained by food or tobacco and become yellowish brown or black.

Even though it may appear alarming, black hairy tongue itself is harmless (although it is thought to be linked to the development of thrush, which is an infection of the mouth caused by the candida fungus, also known as yeast). This condition does not involve any type of bacteria or fungi and generally resolves on its own; the recommended treatment is to brush the tongue with a soft toothbrush twice per day. Black hairy tongue is listed as a possible side effect while taking the antibiotic penicillin, and certain vitamins. It is also a side effect of bulimia.

A similar condition can occur within 24 hours after taking Bismuth Subsalicylate, especially chewable tablets, caused by a chemical reaction. It is short-lasting in duration, but may initially cause alarm.


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References:Wikipedia

1.Rajesndran (1 January 2009). Shafer'S Textbook Of Oral Pathology (6Th Edition). Elsevier India. pp. 31–. ISBN 978-81-312-1570-8. http://books.google.com/books?id=Spk0V6TrCggC&pg=PA31. Retrieved 16 November 2010