Clinica de Ortodoncia Dr. Arthur Nouel

Black hairy tongue

This condition is observed in the dorsum of the tongue, in front of the lingual “V” and is attributed to a variety of factors; the use of oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide and sodium perborate, use of sulfinamides and different antibiotics, alcohol and even gastric hyperacidity. Some authors believe the condition may be linked to different infectious diseases, included those produced by Candida albicans. Hypertrophy of the filiform papillae, with lack of normal desquamation, make them take on an enormous size and may become a thick, matted layer on the dorsal surface which may provoke nausea. Generally the coloration is black, but may be greyish or white.