BHT usually clears on with improved dental care and lifestyle changes.
A black tongue may also be due to tongue staining.
In rare cases, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such asdiabetesorHIV.
Verywell / Laura Porter
Verywell / Laura Porter
What Is Black Hairy Tongue?
The elongated papillae give BHT it characteristically hairy appearance.
BHT will typically recur until the underlying causes are identified and addressed.
What Causes Black Hairy Tongue Syndrome?
These are the same bacteria that cause teeth staining if you do not brush.
Trapped in these havens, the bacteria start to secrete pigments that cause discoloration.
Risk Factors
There are many risk factors associated with BHT.
While BHT can affect any age group, older adults are more commonly affected.
Is Black Hairy Tongue Dangerous?
Although BHT is considered harmless, it can lead to certain complications if left untreated.
How Is Black Hairy Tongue Treated?
Even so, good oral hygiene can help speed the resolution of symptoms.
A medical term commonly used to describe a black tongue ismelanoglossia.
To confirm the diagnosis, abiopsymay be ordered.
This involves removing a small tissue sample from the tongue to evaluate in the lab.
Is Black Tongue a Sign of Tongue Cancer?
Tongue cancer often causes lesions that are red to greyish-pink in color.
It can also take the appearance of a red or white patch.
A black tongue may also be triggered by staining from things like Pepto-Bismol, iron supplements, and licorice.
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Tongue cancer.
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer.
