Typically, hairy tongue does not cause pain.
It can taste odd, and some people experience a tickling or burning sensation with the hairs.
An underlying cause, like antibiotic use orchemotherapy, may require more intervention.
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Your tongue has lots of these, and they help your tongue stay clean and grip food.
When filiform papillae become long, they often take on ablack tongueappearance.
They can also appear brown, yellow, green, or black.
Hairy tongue can also cause bad breath (halitosis).
Antibiotics are one of the main types of medication that can increase the appearance of these hair-like structures.
Your age may be a risk factor for developing hairy tongue.
It’s most common in people over age 40 and rarely seen in infants.
They might not go away until you have stopped using that particular medication.
Complications
Hairy tongue is rarely a serious condition and can often be resolved with good oral hygiene.
Poor oral hygiene and an overgrowth ofyeastsor bacteria are common causes.
A soft diet may contribute to hairy tongue due to a lack of abrasion and scraping from solid foods.
Medication changes can help in people at risk due to their medications.
For cases in which bacteria or yeasts grow out of control with hairy tongue, systemic infections are possible.
Bacteria and yeast that enter the bloodstream can cause severe infection and must be treated by a doctor.
Let them know of any changes like hairy tongue right away.
Seek immediate medical care if you have any symptoms in your mouth that make swallowing or breathing difficult.
Summary
Hairy tongue is a condition that can result from poor oral care and certain medications.
Small structures on your tongue, called filiform papillae, become overgrown due to keratin.
Age and underlying health history can be risk factors that lead to changes.
Good oral hygiene and lifestyle decisions, like quitting smoking, can help to prevent hairy tongue.
Your healthcare provider may recommend medication changes.
In some cases, treatment with medications, or a procedure like laser removal, may be required.
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