Black Hairy Tongue (Lingua Villosa Nigra)

Why does it happen?

There is defective shedding of the cells in the central column of the filiform papillæ of the tongue resulting in the formation of highly elongated, horn-like spines or “hairs” – the hallmark of this disease. The cause for this is unknown and often no definite cause can be identified.

Often there are no symptoms other than the cosmetic or anxiety over its cause. Some patients complain of gagging, nausea, alteration of taste or bad breath.

Contributing factors may include:

• administration of topical or systemic antibiotics
• soft diet
• hypo-salivation
• poor oral hygiene
• smoking
• alcohol
• use of mouthwashes
• iron compounds use of medications containing bismuth such as Pepto-Bismol antiseptic lozenges