Causes of Black Tongue
By: Ken HurtTotal Views: 2581, Word Count: 472,
Learning about the causes of black tongue helps a person to apply the appropriate and curative measures to soothe it. It is a temporary medical condition of the tongue that looks unattractive. However, awareness on black tongue causes facilitates a person to follow good and healthy practices.
A black tongue sometimes causes pain, swelling and ulcers in the mouth. It leads to bruising of the tongue and may lead to a split in the tongue. However, a black tongue is harmless and goes away on its own. But it is always better to fix it as soon as the symptoms become visible. The best way to manage a black tongue disease is to prevent it.
What is a Black Tongue?
A black tongue is also known as a hairy tongue and black hair tongue. It is an unpleasant condition of the tongue wherein the tongue faces discoloration. For example, a person facing a black tongue syndrome may have a black, green, yellow or other color with a hairy appearance.
What Are the Causes of a Black Tongue?
Many times, black tongue is caused in humans due to several reasons. It takes place when the tongue papilla grows longer than the standard size. As it does not shed, debris and bacteria accumulates on the papillae. This gives a black colored and unpleasant look to the tongue. The other causes of black tongue disease are as follows:
1. Black tongue is caused by bad oral sanitation or when a person does not regularly clean his/her tongue.
2. Accumulation of tiny substances in the mouth may lead to black tongue syndrome.
3. Doing heavy smoking or drinking very hot coffee/tea and eating or drinking foods with certain dyes.
4. Excessive intake of antibiotics that leads to the development of yeast in the mouth can cause black tongue.
5. A regular use of strong mouthwash and medications like ‘bismuth’ may lead to black tongue disease.
6. People with human immunodeficiency virus are more prone to the black tongue syndrome.
7. Oral radiation therapy
What are the Symptoms of Black Tongue?
1. A person suffering from black tongue exhibits a dark color and hairy tongue
2. A bad breath for a certain period
3. A metallic taste in the mouth
4. A choke in the mouth may occur in some people
What are the Treatments for Black Tongue?
1. Stay away from additional use of reactants that cause black tongue
2. Regularly clean your tongue and maintain a proper oral hygiene
3. Evade the intake of very hot beverages like tea and coffee
4. Drink ample water and increase your liquid intake to avoid dehydration.
5. Try to avoid tobacco consumption and cigarettes as they stick with the tongue until they are completely withdrawn from the mouth.
6. If the black tongue syndrome persists even after applying all the remedial measures, consult a doctor.
A sufficient knowledge and proper understanding of the causes of black tongue proves beneficial. It helps a person to stay away from the syndrome.
About the Author
Dr. Ken Hurt is a well known dentist and has been in this field since 1995. He is graduated in doctor of dental medicine from London University. His interest lies in cosmetic dentistry, gum and teeth replacement, children dentistry, drug therapy, psychology in dentistry, oral surgery and pathology.
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