Wednesday, December 15, 2010

BLACK HAIRY TONGUE

   Hairy tongue is characterized by marked accumulation of keratin on the filliform papillae  of the dorsal tongue resulting in a hair like appearance.Many affected people are heavy smokers.
Other possible associated factors are

  • antibiotic therapy
  • poor oral hygiene
  • general debilitation
  • radiation therapy
  • use of oxidizing mouthwashes
  • overgrowth of fungal or bacterial organisms
The condition is usually asymptomatic.the elongated papillae are usually brown, yellow or black


TREATMENT :The condition is benign . Any predisposing factors should be eliminated.oral hygiene  maintenance has to be encouraged .Periodic scraping or brushing with a toothbrush or tongue scraper is recommended.