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What Causes Black Coating On Tongue?
Question: I have in recent days noticed my tongue has a black coating on top what does this mean? Its not from food or candy.
Brief Answer:
Due to Nutrional deficiency / infection....
Detailed Answer:
Hello ,
This is Dr. Priyanka tiwari answering your query,
Black coating on your tongue is not always worrisome. The usual causes are
- depapillation of papillae ( taste buds) on tongue
- increase bacteria or yeast growth
- Nutrional deficiency : vitamin B 12 , folic acid , zinc deficiency
- Drug induced (especially antibiotics)
- Smoking.
Some individuals who have history of constipation also have such discoloration.
In this circumstances, I would suggest you try the following steps
- Practice good oral hygiene / Clean your tongue using tongue scraper .
- Drink plenty of water through out the day to clean your mouth .
- Take healthy nutritious diet add more roughage to your diet .
- You can take Vitamin B 12 , folic acid and zinc supplements. The supplements are over the counter at most places. You can check with your pharmacist.
If symptoms persist despite the aforementioned treatment, visit a doctor to rule out infections.
I hope you do not smoke or have history of constipation. If yes, you need to apply changes.
Hope I answered your query ,
If you have further query I will be happy to help.
Wishing you good health.
Due to Nutrional deficiency / infection....
Detailed Answer:
Hello ,
This is Dr. Priyanka tiwari answering your query,
Black coating on your tongue is not always worrisome. The usual causes are
- depapillation of papillae ( taste buds) on tongue
- increase bacteria or yeast growth
- Nutrional deficiency : vitamin B 12 , folic acid , zinc deficiency
- Drug induced (especially antibiotics)
- Smoking.
Some individuals who have history of constipation also have such discoloration.
In this circumstances, I would suggest you try the following steps
- Practice good oral hygiene / Clean your tongue using tongue scraper .
- Drink plenty of water through out the day to clean your mouth .
- Take healthy nutritious diet add more roughage to your diet .
- You can take Vitamin B 12 , folic acid and zinc supplements. The supplements are over the counter at most places. You can check with your pharmacist.
If symptoms persist despite the aforementioned treatment, visit a doctor to rule out infections.
I hope you do not smoke or have history of constipation. If yes, you need to apply changes.
Hope I answered your query ,
If you have further query I will be happy to help.
Wishing you good health.
Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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