Hairy Tongue

  • Hairy Tongue: Heavy tobacco use is one of the most common causes associated with hairy tongue. Antibiotic and medicated mouthwash are usually prescribed to treat this bacterial overgrowth. Hairy tongue clinically appears as an elongation of the filiform papillae on the dorsal surface of the tongue.
  • Papillae, which are normally minimally keratinized and appear pinkish white, often retain pigments from food, beverages, and candies, resulting in the varying colors associated with the condition (eg, black, brown, white, green, pink). The tongue has a thick coating in the middle, with a greater accentuation toward the back.
  • Bacterial and fungal overgrowth play a role in the color of the tongue.
  • In extreme cases of hairy tongue, a blast of compressed air results in the papillae "waving in the breeze."

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