Causes of Black Tongue
Black tongue is a condition in which the tongue has a black appearance. The tongue could also have a brown or yellow discoloration. It is a condition that is not dangerous and usually goes away without medical attention. There can be other symptoms associated with black tongue, including a fuzzy or hairy appearance to the tongue and bad breath. There can also be a metallic or unusual taste associated with black tongue.
Physical Cause
The tongue is primarily composed of muscles. It is covered with a mucous membrane. The upper surface of the tongue has small bumps called papillae. Taste buds reside between the small bumps. When the papillae grow longer and do not properly shed, a black appearance develops, which is called black tongue. The changes in appearance to the tongue usually begin toward the back of the tongue and progresses forward toward the front of the tongue.
- The tongue is primarily composed of muscles.
- The upper surface of the tongue has small bumps called papillae.
Oral Hygiene
Causes of Tongue Discoloration
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Poor oral hygiene can result in black tongue. The bacteria can grow between the papillae, giving the tongue a black appearance. For good oral hygiene, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice per day with an ADA-approved toothpaste, cleaning daily between the teeth, limiting snacks between meals and having regular dental visits. The ADA also recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.
- Poor oral hygiene can result in black tongue.
- For good oral hygiene, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice per day with an ADA-approved toothpaste, cleaning daily between the teeth, limiting snacks between meals and having regular dental visits.
Antibiotic Use
Changes in the normal levels of yeast or bacteria in the mouth can occur after the use of certain antibiotics. These changes can cause black tongue.
Mouth Breathing
What Causes a White Coating on the Tongue?
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According to the Georgia Department of Community Health, breathing through the mouth can cause black tongue 1. Breathing through the mouth can allow bacteria to enter and grow in the papillae, giving it a black color.
Mouthwashes, Bismuth and Tobacco
The regular use of mouthwashes that contain peroxide or other oxidizing agents can cause black tongue. Also, mouthwashes that contain witch hazel, menthol or other astringents can cause black tongue. The oral use of medications that contain bismuth can cause black tongue. Heavy tobacco usage can cause black tongue, too. These causes change the chemistry in the tongue, which can result in substances that give the tongue a black appearance.
- The regular use of mouthwashes that contain peroxide or other oxidizing agents can cause black tongue.
- Also, mouthwashes that contain witch hazel, menthol or other astringents can cause black tongue.
Related Articles
References
- National Organization for Rare Disorders
- Kim AM, Keenan BT, Jackson N, et al. Tongue fat and its relationship to obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep. 2014;37(10):1639–1648. Published 2014 Oct 1. doi:10.5665/sleep.4072
- Bartlett JA, van der Voort Maarschalk K. Understanding the oral mucosal absorption and resulting clinical pharmacokinetics of asenapine. AAPS PharmSciTech. 2012;13(4):1110–1115. doi:10.1208/s12249-012-9839-7
- National Organization for Rare Diseases. Tongue Cancer.
- Dotiwala AK, Samra NS. Anatomy, head and neck, tongue. [Updated 2019 Feb 8]. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan.
- Moore KL and AF Dalley. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 4th edition, 1999, pp. 940-947.
- Stone M, et al. Structure and variability in human tongue muscle anatomy. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Eng Imaging Vis. 2018;6(5):499–507. Published online 2016 Apr 8. doi:10.1080/21681163.2016.1162752
Writer Bio
Doug Hewitt has been writing for over 20 years and has a Master of Arts from University of North Carolina-Greensboro. He authored the book "The Practical Guide to Weekend Parenting," which includes health and fitness hints for parents. He and his wife, Robin, are coauthors of the "Free College Resource Book."