Why Do I Have Black Spots on My Tongue?

Did you wake up this morning with a black tongue? Does your tongue appear to have hair on it? If so, you are probably wondering how you can fix this as soon as possible. This article will help you understand what causes the condition known as “black hairy tongue” and how you can cure it.  

How Does A Natural Tongue Appear?

A healthy tongue is soft and pink. It has many taste buds scattered all over. The taste buds allow you to perceive and interpret the taste of different foods. 

The tongue also keeps the mouth clean with optimal pH levels. Its surface is a little uneven and has tiny bumps (papillae). Papillae help you taste, chew, and swallow food. 

The tongue’s taste buds can sometimes be stained. Staining has many causes but it is not something to feel anxious about. Tongue stains occur mostly because of the foods you eat or hyperpigmentation. But the staining goes away in a short period. However, you should see your doctor if black spots persist.

Must Read: Oral Cancer – Symptoms, Stages and Treatment

What are the Black Spots on the Tongue? 

As you might already know, the tongue is not supposed to be black. It is supposed to be a light pink color. However, certain conditions can make your tongue turn different colors. In this case, your tongue turns black.  

Also, the papillae on your tongue grow longer. They resemble black hairs on your tongue. This happens because dead cells have accumulated on the top of your tongue.  

Here’s the good news, black hairy tongue isn’t a harmful condition. It will usually go away by itself. The only real symptoms are bad breath, a bad taste in your mouth, and embarrassment. 

What Causes Black Spots On The Tongue?

The tongue shows black spots because of one of the following reasons:

1. Exposure to Chemicals 

Sometimes, you may need medications that contain bismuth, a chemical. When this chemical reacts with the taste buds on the tongue, black spots start to appear.

2. Injuries

Small bites and cuts on the tongue due to sharp objects and oral piercings often lead to black spots on the tongue. The black spots show that the tongue has not healed from the damage caused by the injury. If they persist, you should set up an appointment with your doctor.

3. Cancer 

Very rarely, the black spots are an indication of tongue cancer. Black lesions like sores that do not disappear or heal, point out a serious illness like cancer. If the spots are accompanied by swelling and you find it difficult to swallow, you must see your doctor. Also, if you are precancerous, you may notice white or grey spots on the tongue. This needs immediate medical attention. 

4. Bad Oral Hygiene 

Poor oral hygiene, such as consuming alcoholic or caffeinated beverages in excess, also causes black spots on the tongue. Papillae, the small bumps on your tongue, can trap food, which results in staining or black spots. If proper oral hygiene is not followed, papillae will keep attracting pigment from the food, and the tongue will look darker over time. 

5. Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation, or pigmented fungiform papillae of the tongue (PPT) is another cause of black spots appearing on the tongue. Oral hyperpigmentation often leads to dark spots in colors like black, red, or pink on your tongue. This is sometimes the result of an adrenal condition Addison’s Disease or a genetic disorder like Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome.

Hyperpigmentations and the resultant dark patches on the tongue can also occur because of chemotherapy. If this is the cause, the dark spots will fade on their own after a few weeks. 

Also Read: 6 Simple Things You Can Do To Improve Your Oral Health

How to Remove Black Spots on the Tongue?

There are various approaches you can follow to treat black spots on your tongue. The most effective ones are explained below.

1. Fix Your Oral Hygiene

Reduce your consumption of foods that stain the tongue, like caffeinated and alcoholic beverages and tobacco. Brush your tongue softly with a toothbrush along with your teeth. Use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and prevent the buildup of dead skin cells. You should also habitually brush after consuming a meal with food items that can stain the tongue.

2. Use Baking soda or Hydrogen Peroxide

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are both helpful in eliminating black spots and bacteria on the tongue. Brushing with a diluted solution of either of them thrice a day will quickly make the dark spots fade away if they are not caused due to other serious illnesses.

3. Consume Raw Foods

Raw foods like fruits and vegetables also help remove black spots or staining on the tongue. Citrus fruits like oranges and pineapples have acids that fight with the dead skin cells on the tongue. Besides eating raw foods, stay hydrated throughout the day to remove toxins from your body. 

4. Get a Professional Dental Cleaning

A deep dental cleaning by a dentist not only helps remove black spots but also detects underlying oral issues. In a dental cleaning, your dentist conducts a detailed dental examination and uses X-rays to detect oral conditions (if any). They also use specialized instruments to remove the buildup of plaque or tartar. 

Final Words

As you have undoubtedly found out, a black tongue can be a huge inconvenience. Now that you know how to get rid of it and keep it from returning, you can begin taking the proper steps. Speak with your dentist to find out what other steps you can take.  

Maiden Lane Dental is here to help you. We are located in the Financial District of NYC. You can easily get to us by train and bus. You can view our directions on our website. Feel free to contact us to set up a consultation and let us start helping you with your oral hygiene to get rid of your black hairy tongue.