Black hairy tongue is a relatively common condition in which the the central top portion of the tongue presents with an abnormal coloring and coating. Although the abnormal coating is typically black in color, brown, yellow, and green discoloration have been described.
Nose, tongue, taste, and smell
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Summary
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Black Hairy Tongue
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Black Hairy Tongue
Black Tongue: Black discoloration on the dorsal surface of the tongue with no obvious elongation of filiform papilla.
Image by Com4 at en.wikipedia
What Is Black Hairy Tongue?
Black hairy tongue is a relatively common condition in which the the central top portion of the tongue presents with an abnormal coloring and coating. Although the abnormal coating is typically black in color, brown, yellow, and green discoloration have been described. Individuals with black hairy tongue usually do not have symptoms, although occasionally there may be a burning, gagging, or tickling sensation. Halitosis (bad breath) or abnormal taste may additionally be present. Black hairy tongue can occur at any age, but the incidence increases with age. Black hairy tongue occurs due to a lack of stimulation on the top of the tongue resulting in a buildup of a protein known as keratin. This buildup can become quite long, giving it a hair-like appearance. Though black hairy tongue can present at any point, certain factors increase one's risk, such as poor oral hygiene, use of medications (particularly antibiotics), tobacco use, therapeutic radiation, and certain illnesses. Treatment varies depending on complexity; however, many cases can easily be resolved with brushing the tongue with a toothbrush or using a tongue scraper.
Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
Additional Materials (6)
Black Hairy Tongue
Video by Medicosis Perfectionalis/YouTube
Black hairy tongue: What causes it? - TomoNews
Video by TomoNews US/YouTube
What is "black hairy tongue"?
Video by Atlanta Journal-Constitution/YouTube
Pepto-Bismol Associated Black Tongue
Video by Larry Mellick/YouTube
Oral Pathology : 5 Tongue Leisons You Must know
Video by The Dentist!/YouTube
Worth It? – "Black Hairy Tongue"
Video by Texas Department of State Health Services/YouTube
1:13
Black Hairy Tongue
Medicosis Perfectionalis/YouTube
1:18
Black hairy tongue: What causes it? - TomoNews
TomoNews US/YouTube
0:48
What is "black hairy tongue"?
Atlanta Journal-Constitution/YouTube
0:56
Pepto-Bismol Associated Black Tongue
Larry Mellick/YouTube
1:21
Oral Pathology : 5 Tongue Leisons You Must know
The Dentist!/YouTube
0:30
Worth It? – "Black Hairy Tongue"
Texas Department of State Health Services/YouTube
Cause
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Black hairy tounge
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Black hairy tounge
Le diagnostic est généralement posé sur l'aspect clinique sans qu'il soit nécessaire d'effectuer une biopsie de tissu. Cependant, lorsque les biopsies ont été pratiquées, l'aspect histologique est celui d'un allongement marqué et d'une hyperparakératose des papilles filiformes et de nombreuses bactéries se développant à la surface de l'épithélium.
La langue poilue peut être confondue avec la leucoplasie poilue; toutefois, cette dernière survient généralement sur les côtés de la langue et est associée à une infection opportuniste par le virus Epstein-Barr sur un immunocompromis de fond système immunitaire).
Classification Modifier
La langue velue (lingua villosa) fait référence à une accumulation marquée de kératine sur les papilles filiformes à la surface dorsale de la langue, donnant un aspect semblable à un cheveu. La langue noire (lengua negra) fait référence à une décoloration noire de la langue, qui peut être associée ou non à une langue velue. Cependant, les papilles allongées de la langue poilue développent généralement une décoloration en raison de la croissance de bactéries produisant des pigments et de la formation de taches sur les aliments. D'où le terme langue poilue noire, bien que la langue poilue puisse également être décolorée en jaune ou en brun. Une décoloration transitoire de la surface qui n'est pas associée à la langue poilue peut être éliminée par brossage. La langue poilue noire induite par un médicament fait spécifiquement référence au THB qui se développe à cause d'un médicament.
Traitement Modifier
Le traitement consiste à rassurer, car l'état est bénin, puis à corriger tout facteur prédisposant. Il peut s’agir de cessation du tabagisme ou de cessation / substitution des médicaments ou des bains de bouche impliqués. Généralement, les mesures directes visant à rétablir l'apparence normale de la langue impliquent l'amélioration de l'hygiène buccale, en particulier le grattage ou le brossage de la langue avant le sommeil. Cela favorise la desquamation des papilles hyperparakératosiques Les agents kératolytiques (produits chimiques pour éliminer la kératine) tels que la podophylline ont du succès, mais ont des problèmes de sécurité. Parmi les autres mesures couronnées de succès signalées figurent les bains de bouche au bicarbonate de sodium, la consommation d’ananas, la succion d’une pierre de pêche et le chewing-gum.
Image by Mohammad2018/Wikimedia
What Causes Black Hairy Tongue?
The exact cause of black hairy tongue is unknown; however, it is thought to be related to ineffective shedding of the outermost portion of the central top area of the tongue. This leads to accumulation of layers of tissue and a protein called keratin. The accumulations take on a hair-like appearance and can reach a length of 12-18 mm. While black hairy tongue can occur at any point, certain lifestyle factors can increase the risk such as use of tobacco and alcohol, dehydration, and poor oral hygiene. Low saliva production, trigeminal neuralgia and cranial radiation therapy have additionally been found to increase the risk for black hairy tongue to develop.
Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
Additional Materials (2)
An Overview Of Parotid Glands
Parotid glands are the largest #salivary #gland in the oral cavity. These glands are present below and in front of the ears. The function of a #healthy parotid gland is to supply saliva that is rich in #digestive proteins.
Parotid glands
The job of parotid glands is to release thin, watery saliva in the upper portion of the mouth. The narrow channels that drain saliva are known as Stensen's ducts. When you do not eat anything, parotid glands supply 25% saliva to your mouth. When eating, you get 50% saliva from these glands. The proteins in the saliva provided by these glands aid the digestion process.
The cells making up these glands are mostly serous cells, but there are other types of cells present there as well, such as lymph nodes. The presence of these nodes is one of the reasons that parotid glands are quite susceptible to develop tumors and lymphomas. There is also a risk of Stensen's ducts getting blocked by tiny stones. This condition can result in pain and swelling, making the glands more vulnerable to #bacterial and #viral #infections.
Parotid gland infections
Children who haven’t been immunized can get an infection in the parotid glands. This infection is known as mumps. This infection can occur in adults too. Obstruction is a more common issue that adults face with their parotid glands. The reason for the occurrence of bacterial infection is that the mouth is full of bacteria, which include harmful bacteria too. According to the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of California, the bacteria that cause salivary gland infections are the staph bacteria. Problems such as an obstruction in the salivary glands, excess sugar, thick saliva, dehydration, and poor nutrition can result in the parotid glands' susceptibility to developing infections as a result of bacterial attack.
Symptoms of infections
The most common symptom of parotid gland infection is the #swelling in front of the ears. Other symptoms may include dry mouth, redness, pain, and an awkward taste when eating. In case of a severe infection, you will not be able to open your mouth wide.
Treatment for parotid gland infections
The potential treatments for parotid gland infections may include increased fluid intake, #antibiotics, and surgery. The surgeon will ask about symptoms and may recommend diagnostic procedures, such as lab tests and ultrasound or CT scan.
Antibiotics are effective in treating bacterial infection. In many cases, you may just need to get the blocked ducts opened. In some cases, the surgeon may have to use a hollow needle to drain an abscess.
Other #medications usually help keep the mouth hydrated to keep the infection from recurring. This preventive care also includes taking good care of oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth. Brushing twice and flossing at least once is the minimum recommendation. You may also want to use an antimicrobial mouthwash to keep your mouth protected against bacterial infections.
You will need to make sure that your mouth generates an adequate amount of saliva. If there is any problem that causes saliva deficiency, you will want to visit your dentist.
Image by Juan Reddish/Wikimedia
What is "black hairy tongue"?
Video by Atlanta Journal-Constitution/YouTube
An Overview Of Parotid Glands
Juan Reddish/Wikimedia
0:48
What is "black hairy tongue"?
Atlanta Journal-Constitution/YouTube
Treatment
School Health - Dental Health
Image by Airman 1st Class Ross Whitley
School Health - Dental Health
Children's Dental Health
Image by Airman 1st Class Ross Whitley
How Might Black Hairy Tongue Be Treated?
Although black hairy tongue normally resolves on its own, patients are encouraged to avoid the factors that have been shown to bring about hairy tongue. Treatment usually involves gentle cleaning of the tongue with a soft toothbrush. Medication is rarely prescribed for hairy tongue; however, in severe cases, antifungals, retinoids or mouthwashes may be used. If treatment fails, the affected portion of the tongue called the papillae (finger-like projections) may be clipped or removed using techniques such as carbon dioxide laser burning or electrodesiccation (a procedure in which an electrical current is used to seal of the affected area).
Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
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Black Hairy Tongue
Black hairy tongue is a relatively common condition in which the the central top portion of the tongue presents with an abnormal coloring and coating. Although the abnormal coating is typically black in color, brown, yellow, and green discoloration have been described.