Black Hairy Tongue (Covid) Causes and Treatment.

Black Tongue

A black hairy tongue is a temporary, harmless oral condition that gives the tongue a dark, furry appearance. 

The distinct look usually results from a buildup of dead skin cells on the many tiny projections (papillae) on the surface of the tongue that contain taste buds. These papillae, which are longer than normal, can easily trap and be stained by bacteria, yeast, tobacco, food or other substances.

The black hairy tongue usually resolves by eliminating possible causes or contributing factors and practising good oral hygiene.

What Causes a Black Tongue?  

1. Black hairy tongue typically results when projections on the tongue called papillae grow longer because they don’t shed dead skin cells like normal. This makes the tongue look hairy.      
2. Debris, bacteria or other organisms can collect on the papillae and result in discoloration.

Although the cause of black hairy tongue can’t always be determined, possible causes or contributing factors include:

• Changes in the normal bacteria or yeast content of the mouth after antibiotic use.
• Poor oral hygiene.
• Dry mouth(xerostomia).
• Regular use of mouthwashes containing irritating oxidizing agents, such as peroxide.
• Tobacco use.
• Drinking excessive amounts of coffee or black tea.
• Excessive alcohol use.
• Eating a soft diet that doesn’t help to rub dead skin cells from your tongue. 

Treatment for Black Tongue

1. Black hairy tongue typically doesn’t require medical treatment. 
2. Though unattractive, it’s a temporary, harmless condition.     
3. Practicing good oral hygiene and eliminating factors that may contribute to the condition — such as avoiding tobacco use or irritating mouthwashes — help resolve black hairy tongue.
4. Clean your tongue post brush and after eating your meal.
5. Clean twice the dental floss.
6. Drink more water and make a habit.
7. Including a daily healtby diet like Fruits, Nuts, Milk and other nutritious rich foos in your meals improves the condition.

When to visit an ENT doctor?

When you experience the symptoms and pain and if it persists for more than 5 days, you should immediately seek the help of a health practitioner an ENT doctor to avoid further circumstances and get diagnosed.