Black tongue is usually not a symptom of a serious problem and occurs, in most cases, due to an infection by fungi or bacteria, which accumulate in the taste buds of the tongue. That is why the black tongue is also, almost always, accompanied by the sensation of hair growth on the tongue, which is nothing more than the slightly elongated taste buds.
Therefore, it is always important to consult a dentist or doctor when this language color change appears, to diagnose the problem and start treatment, which may include the use of antifungal remedies, in the case of thrush.
- Because it is a relatively common problem.
- Especially in people with poor oral hygiene.
- The black tongue can also be known as hairy blacktongue disease.
Because the black tongue comes from the accumulation of fungi or bacteria in the taste buds of the tongue, it is more common in situations of:
In addition, regular use of certain medications, such as antidepressants or certain antihistamines and antihypertensives, may dry out the mouth and also lead to the development of the black language. Bismuth salicylate and the compound Pepto-zil can also interact with substances in saliva and form a compound that builds up and blackens the tongue, resolving only with the drug’s suspension.
Generally, taste buds are pink and have a very small size that prevents them from being observable to the naked eye, however, due to the accumulation of fungi or bacteria, these papillae can change color and become more elongated due to the accumulation of dead cells, fungi and dirt.
However, there are people who may have a more marked change in language color than others, and seem to have more hair. This usually occurs because of habits such as smoking or drinking too much coffee during the day.
However, if the black tongue doesn’t go away, it’s best to see your dentist or family doctor to identify the cause. For example, if this is caused by the use of certain medicines, it is necessary to change this medicine or at least adjust the dose of treatment.
In addition, some doctors may also recommend an antifungal drug or antibiotic to try to eliminate microorganisms more quickly and speed up treatment.
In addition to visible language impairment, the black, hairy tongue can also cause other symptoms such as:
Due to changes in taste and breath, some people may also experience constant nausea, which do not pose any gastric problems.