What is Black Tongue? (Top Common Causes You Should Know)

What is Black Tongue? (Top Common Causes You Should Know)
Are you experiencing a black or dark-colored tongue? Don't panic, as it is a temporary, painless oral condition known as black tongue or hairy tongue. It is caused by the buildup of dead skin cells on the taste buds, which leads to excessive growth of papillae that favor the accumulation of food residues, altering the balance of oral bacteria and resulting in a color change. In some cases, the tongue may show a hairy appearance caused by the accumulation of keratin, a fibrous protein that fulfills a protective function.

Although black tongue is not a cause for alarm, it is essential to know its causes, symptoms, and how to prevent it. The condition is more common in people over 65 years of age and can be caused by various factors, including poor oral hygiene, consumption of certain foods and beverages, antibiotic medications, and mouthwashes containing astringent or oxidizing substances.