Black hairy tongue

Black Hairy Tongue (pronunciation: /blæk ˈhɛəri tʌŋ/)

Black hairy tongue is a temporary and harmless oral condition characterized by a dark, furry appearance on the top surface of the tongue. It is also known as lingua villosa nigra.

Etymology

The term "black hairy tongue" is derived from the appearance of the condition. The word "black" refers to the color, "hairy" to the elongated papillae, and "tongue" to the affected organ. The medical term, "lingua villosa nigra", is Latin, with "lingua" meaning tongue, "villosa" meaning hairy, and "nigra" meaning black.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of black hairy tongue is the tongue's appearance. The tongue may appear black, brown, or in some cases, white. The surface of the tongue may also appear hairy or furry due to elongated papillae.

Causes

Black hairy tongue is typically caused by an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast on the tongue. This can occur due to poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, tobacco use, or excessive consumption of black tea or coffee.

Treatment

Treatment for black hairy tongue typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This may include improving oral hygiene, quitting tobacco use, or adjusting diet. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medication.

Related Terms

• Oral hygiene
• Papillae
• Tobacco use
• Antibiotics
• Antifungal medication

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Black hairy tongue
• Wikipedia's article - Black hairy tongue

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