Black Hairy Tongue
A black and hairy tongue looks scary and disgusting. Thankfully, it is not associated with serious health problems. Hairy tongues happen because of an overgrowth of dead skin cells (keratin) on papillae. In natural progress, our tongues shed dead skin cells regularly. However, when these dead skin cells keep growing rather than sloughing off naturally, you will see your tongue have a hairy look. The overgrowth of dead skin cells on papillae can also cause lengthening of the papillae, making it easier for papillae to trap food, tobacco, bacteria, yeast, or other substance. After time accumulation, black or brown discoloration forms on tongues.
Though scientists are still unclear about the reason of overgrowth dead skin cells on the tongue, they speculate the condition might be related to certain lifestyle habits such as poor oral hygiene, low saliva production, smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol excessively, medical side effects, liquid diet, etc. Though looking unattractive, a black hairy tongue is usually a temporary oral condition. Just brush your teeth and tongue twice a day and a black hairy tongue can get better. [3]
