Common Causes Of Black Hairy Tongue
It might sound scary, but a black hairy tongue is generally benign. It is more of an embarrassing condition than one that needs medical attention. The condition happens when the papillae that lay on top of the tongue grown too long. Sometimes, they do not shed properly, which lets them grow longer. When they grow longer, they can capture the color from food and beverages, bacteria, or even yeast. There are various reasons this might happen, though thankfully there are also ways to eliminate and prevent it from happening. Patients may have to be diligent and even change some of their eating and drinking habits. Understanding why it is happening is the key to treating a black hairy tongue.
Xerostomia
Xerostomia, dry mouth, is caused by a change of saliva in the mouth. Sometimes, there is no reason why it happens. However, one of the most common reasons for xerostomia is as a side effect of certain medications. It can also be caused by breathing through the mouth. There are other reasons why patients might experience dry mouth, but there are also things individuals can do to reduce or eliminate dry mouth that might be causing a black hairy tongue. There are special mouthwashes patients can use to help get rid of xerostomia. Patients could also consider asking their doctor if they can switch medications so they might get one that doesn't cause xerostomia as a side effect. If patients do not try to combat dry mouth, it can lead to other problems, such as tooth decay and acid erosion.
Prolonged Soft Diets
Prolonged soft diets can contribute to and even cause a black hairy tongue. With a normal diet, individuals consume foods of varying textures. These foods can help remove foreign material, food debris, microorganisms, and damaged or dead tissue from the surface of the tongue. When individuals only eat soft food, it can build up on the tongue and cause a thick surface. This build-up can cause discoloration and create a black hairy tongue, though the tongue does not necessarily have to be black. It can present with different colors, like green or pink. It is important to try to eat different textures, so when individuals chew food, it helps remove excess debris and microorganisms from the tongue. Doing this will help keep their tongue healthy and avoid a black hairy tongue.
Mouthwashes Containing Irritating Agents
Many individuals like to use mouthwash to keep their mouth feeling fresh. However, using mouthwashes containing irritating agents can damage the tongue. If individuals use a mouthwash that has hydrogen peroxide, menthol, or witch hazel, they can affect the flora in their mouth. When this flora is decreased, it leaves an opportunity for infections to take hold and cause even more problems. It is okay to use these kinds of mouthwash, but individuals need to make sure it is not excessive. Additionally, patients can look for more gentle mouthwashes so they do not destroy the tongue and cause damage or a black hairy tongue. Individuals might think they are doing a good thing by using stronger mouthwashes, but it is important to know what can happen. If patients find they are developing a black hairy tongue, one of the first things they should do is to change or stop using their mouthwash. Once the condition is resolved, they must not go back to the same mouthwash and find a more sensitive one instead.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Many things can happen in the mouth due to poor oral hygiene. Patients can suffer from gum problems like gingivitis, tooth decay, and a black hairy tongue. A part of everyone's oral hygiene routine should include brushing their tongue as well as their teeth. Thankfully, there are special tools individuals can use to brush their tongue to make doing so easier Additionally, many toothbrushes now come with a tongue cleaner on the back side of the bristles. By brushing their tongue, patients can remove any built-up food and microorganisms, and make their tongue more healthy. It is also important to keep the gums and teeth clean and healthy because any bacteria from them can accumulate on the tongue. When bacteria adheres to the tongue and is not removed, it can cause a black hairy tongue.
Changes In Bacteria Or Yeast Content In Mouth
When the bacteria or yeast content in an individual's mouth changes, it can cause the papillae to lengthen. This happens because the dead skin cells accumulate and result in an overgrowth. Many things can cause the environment of the mouth to change. If patients are suffering from periodontal disease or have a lot of dental plaque, it can cause an overabundance of bacteria or yeast to settle on the tongue. This overgrowth will cause a black hairy tongue and needs to be taken care of. Patients can find mouthwashes that will help with different conditions. They can make sure they brush it off the tongue, reducing the chance of experiencing a black hairy tongue. It is important to maintain a healthy oral environment so the proper level of bacteria and yeast is maintained in the mouth. This will help reduce the chances of a black hairy tongue.