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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Dark Discoloration On The Tongue?

Hi, I have some dark discoloration on the top surface of my tongue, blackish in color. I'm trying to scrap if off with a tongue scrapper, but it's rather far back and I gag trying to do this. I have a history of tobacco use.

NO history of cancer, but I'm concrned. Thank you!
Tue, 8 Aug 2017
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Thanks for the query..

Black discoloration of tongue can be due to a condition known as Black Hairy Tongue and it can occur due to a number of conditions like overgrowth of bacteria and fungus over the tongue, entrapment of dead cells over the tongue papillae and when the Papillae do not shed as per its normal cycle and there is elongation of the papillae and more of debris and dead cell entrapment as well as more growth of bacteria and fungus.
Taking Bismuth containing medicines like Pepto-Bismol can also cause tongue discolouration..
Tobacco chewing, smoking and excess intake of tea and coffee can also be contributing factor.
You should consult an Oral Physician and get evaluated..
For now use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue..
Gargle with 1:1 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water as well as you can dip your toothbrush in this solution and brush your tongue gently..
Take more of hard foods like apple, carrots and other things as they will clean the tongue by friction..
Completely avoid tobacco chewing..
Drink plenty of water..
Limit intake of tea and coffee..

Hope this helps.

Regards.
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What Causes Dark Discoloration On The Tongue?

Hi.. Thanks for the query.. Black discoloration of tongue can be due to a condition known as Black Hairy Tongue and it can occur due to a number of conditions like overgrowth of bacteria and fungus over the tongue, entrapment of dead cells over the tongue papillae and when the Papillae do not shed as per its normal cycle and there is elongation of the papillae and more of debris and dead cell entrapment as well as more growth of bacteria and fungus. Taking Bismuth containing medicines like Pepto-Bismol can also cause tongue discolouration.. Tobacco chewing, smoking and excess intake of tea and coffee can also be contributing factor. You should consult an Oral Physician and get evaluated.. For now use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue.. Gargle with 1:1 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water as well as you can dip your toothbrush in this solution and brush your tongue gently.. Take more of hard foods like apple, carrots and other things as they will clean the tongue by friction.. Completely avoid tobacco chewing.. Drink plenty of water.. Limit intake of tea and coffee.. Hope this helps. Regards.