Hairy Tongue

Question: Hairy Tongue? I have had hairy tongue over and over. Once its resolved, I start getting it again within the same week. Does anyone know how to make it go away for good? I have excellent dental hygiene and brush my tongue several times a day. Thanks for your suggestions!

Answer: Black, hairy tongue can be caused by changes in the normal bacteria or yeast content of the mouth following antibiotic treatment, by poor oral hygiene (this doesn't apply to you), medications containing bismuth (such as Pepto-Bismol), regular use of mouthwashes containing oxidizing agents, such as peroxide, or astringent agents, such as witch hazel or menthol, smoking, drinking excessive amounts of coffee or tea. Some tips for removing the discoloration include: Gently brush your tongue with a toothbrush twice a day. Rinse your mouth with diluted hydrogen peroxide (one part peroxide to five parts water) or apply it with a toothbrush. Rinse your mouth with water afterward. If this doesn't resolve the problem, consult your dentist or doctor. If the discoloration is due to bacterial overgrowth, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Question: Hairy tongue gave my girlfriend urinary tract infection? Hello, I've had a "hairy" tongue for some time, which I'm pretty sure is caused from smoking, alcohol, etc. Is it possible that this is a build up of bacteria that could've given my girlfriend a urinary tract infection or some sort of other problem? After going down on her, she complained of blood in her urine and is going to the doctor tomorrow. Thanks.

Answer: Your " hairy" tongue didn't cause a problem for her...especially since you don't "put your tongue in her urethra ( pee hole)" often if a women has a full bladder and doesn't urinate when she feels the urge the urine cools down and can allow bacteria to grow because the PH changes... especially after sex...hence the term " honeymoon cystitis" women often get a urinary infection after her " honeymoon". She should urinate before sex and after whens she has the urge. But dental hygiene is important try brushing your tongue you do get tooth brushes with a tongue "brusher" on the back of the head. If by kissing her she hasn't gotten mouth ulcers or you yourself hasn't gotten any ulcerations in your mouth it cant be that dirty just a build up on your tongue from daily living....and stop smoking its bad for you!!!

Question: how do i get rid of hairy white tongue? for the past 3 weeks i have what's known as hairy white tongue! your tongue is naturally hairy and the hairs are white, but with eating and brushing and stuff like that, your toungue naturally sheds, but for some reason i can't get it to go away! i was sick for a week or so about 3 weeks ago but i'm fine now! and ive done research on how to get rid of it, but it won't go away! is there something wrong??

Answer: u should go to the docters. if u accidently do somethin wrong by urself the cost is priceless. good luck! :)

Question: Why do I have a hairy tongue? My tongue feels like a peach or a hairy man's back....is this normal..do any of you have hairy tongues? The hair is black and I am confused..please help thanks!

Answer: O.O wtf?! hahaha.

Question: can tongue scraper get rid of black hairy tongue ? huh so can tongue scraper get rid of black tongue ?

Answer: According to my oral pathology text - Gently stroking from posterior to anteriore with a tongue blade (tongue scraper) 2 or 3 times a day will help reduce black hairy tongue. JAMRDH -a dental hygienist

Question: Has anyone experienced a condition called "hairy tongue" while taking the medication Chantix?

Answer: well dear this condition is commen with drugs cause epithial cells death I know this with tetracycline d.v. drugs orally you may tell your dr. as may develope to sores

Question: yellow hairy tongue and hurts to swallow? about a week ago my tongue or throat (cant figure out which one it is) stated hurting whenever i would try to swallow or anything... after it started hurting i looked at my tongue and its yellow and hairy lookin... in certain spots i can rub the hairy lookin stuff off of my tongue (fi that makes any sense)... does anyone know what this could be... i do smoke and have for like 5 years....so i dont know if that has much to do with it.... thanks for your help....

Answer: hairy tongue is not unusual. Use a toothbrush to clean your tongue twice a day and use good mouth wash after brushing teeth three times a day.

Question: What is Hairy Tongue? I thought I have oral thrush - the doctor just scarped it off and tested and said it is not thrush. he said it is hairy tongue. What is that? He said to use a special toothbrush to scrape it off. On some sites, hairy tongue is a sign of HIV. What is it exactly? Is hairy Tongue serious? further tests required?

Answer: I'm a dentist. Technically speaking, it's hyperkeratinization of the filiform papillae. Yes, hairy tongue can be a sign of HIV, but usually its caused by smoking. Unless you have a reason to suspect you're HIV positive, don't worry.

Question: Is it normal to have a hairy tongue?

Answer: It's not normal, but it's not uncommon. It's basically an overgrowth of bacteria in your mouth. Dehydration and poor diet are usually factors that contribute to "hairy tongue." The person with the condition should see a doctor to get some antibiotics.

Question: Why is a hairy tongue, and how do you get rid of it?

Answer: What Is It? The surface of your tongue has hundreds of tiny, fingerlike bumps called papillae. Your taste buds are scattered among these bumps. The papillae grow constantly, and the top layer of cells normally wears away. In some people, these cells do not wear away. The papillae grow unusually long. When this occurs, the papillae easily trap normal debris and bacteria. The bacteria multiply, producing a dark or "black" area on the tongue. It's called black hairy tongue because the overgrown papillae look hairy or furry. This condition is not cancer. It's also not an infection. It's something like moss growing on a rock. The cause of black hairy tongue is not known. It's not common in healthy people. When it does occur in healthy people, it's very mild. However, some people have a higher risk of developing the condition. Not taking good care of your teeth and gums is by far the most common factor that can lead to black hairy tongue. You also have a higher risk if you: * Smoke * Take some types of antibiotics (which can upset the balance of bacteria in your mouth) * Receive chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy for head and neck cancer * Have uncontrolled diabetes or other conditions that affect the entire body Symptoms Bad breath (halitosis) is the only symptom of black hairy tongue. The condition is not painful. The obvious sign of black hairy tongue is a coating of bacteria and debris on the tongue. The coating is usually in the middle to back of the tongue. It can be green, brown, black, white or yellow. Diagnosis Your dentist or physician will ask about your medical and dental history. He or she also will ask about smoking, recent use of antibiotics and your brushing and flossing habits. In most cases, your dentist or doctor can easily diagnose black hairy tongue based on how your tongue looks and the information you supply. Expected Duration With treatment, the condition should disappear in about two weeks. Prevention Good oral hygiene is critical to help prevent black hairy tongue. Brushing your tongue will wear away the papillae and prevent them from growing too much. It also can help to freshen your breath. Not smoking also helps to prevent black hairy tongue. If you have a disease such as diabetes, see your doctor regularly to keep it under control. Brushing and flossing are important during chemotherapy and radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. During your treatment, visit your dentist regularly. Your dentist will look for any conditions or infections in your mouth that may be linked to your cancer treatment. Treatment The common treatment for black hairy tongue is simply to brush your tongue whenever you brush your teeth. Do this at least twice a day. For severe cases, your dentist may recommend using a tongue scraper twice a day. It should be dampened with Dakin's solution. This is a very diluted bleach solution that kills the bacteria. Grocery stores and drugstores sell tongue scrapers over the counter. Because there is no infection, you will not receive antibiotics for black hairy tongue. If taking antibiotics helped the condition to get started, stopping them will help it go away. When To Call a Professional Call your dentist if you notice any color change in your tongue that lasts more than a few days. You also should call if you notice any changes in the texture of your tongue. Prognosis The outlook for black hairy tongue is excellent. The condition is treated easily and it doesn't cause other problems.