Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Foul Smelling Black Tongue?
Question: My elderly mother takes many tablets and has for the last year had ablack tongue which now has a foul smell. What is the cause?
Brief Answer:
Bacteria growth
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. As you must know the oral cavity is the area of our body with the most number of germs (contrary to common belief, even more than the genitalia region). Well there are many different types of bacteria that can reside in our mouth, and a few of these can deposit red cell pigments on the tongue making it appear black. With time and a few other changes to the layers of the tongue, it can appear to look hairy as well; this condition is then called black hairy tongue.
The bacteria alone can cause the foul smell, but in my opinion the more common cause is poor oral hygiene, which itself is the cause for the bacteria to grow and thrive in the oral cavity.
I hope I have explained things in a manner best understood by you. Please feel free to write back to me anytime, I am always here to help.
Best wishes.
Bacteria growth
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. As you must know the oral cavity is the area of our body with the most number of germs (contrary to common belief, even more than the genitalia region). Well there are many different types of bacteria that can reside in our mouth, and a few of these can deposit red cell pigments on the tongue making it appear black. With time and a few other changes to the layers of the tongue, it can appear to look hairy as well; this condition is then called black hairy tongue.
The bacteria alone can cause the foul smell, but in my opinion the more common cause is poor oral hygiene, which itself is the cause for the bacteria to grow and thrive in the oral cavity.
I hope I have explained things in a manner best understood by you. Please feel free to write back to me anytime, I am always here to help.
Best wishes.
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
