Black and villous tongue: causes, symptoms and treatments

A villous black tongue is surprising, even alarming, when it appears unexpectedly! But what exactly is it, and how can we fix it? We explain everything to you!

Despite a strange and disturbing appearance, the villous black tongue is generally harmless . This is a temporary situation where the tongue takes on a black or dark brown color and appears covered in hair. 😱 But don't panic. What you think are hairs are actually taste buds that have elongated and retain small food particles and microorganisms.

This phenomenon can affect everyone, regardless of age or gender, although certain factors can make it a little more common. According to a Cleveland Clinic report , villous tongue affects about 13% of people at some point in their lives .

As we have just mentioned, the black tongue is mainly manifested by a notable change in its appearance , which can be quite surprising! It darkens, turning from brown to black, and appears covered in small “strands” or hairs.

In addition to these visual changes, other symptoms may be associated with this condition, making the experience even more unpleasant:

• Bad breath : One of the most common concerns is halitosis, or bad breath. It comes from an accumulation of bacteria breaking down food residues present on the tongue .
  
  

• Dry or pasty mouth feeling : Affected people may experience dry mouth or feel like their mouth is constantly covered with an unpleasant film.
  
  

• Abnormal taste : some people notice a metallic or simply altered taste , which can influence their pleasure of eating and their appetite.
  
  

• Slight irritation or burning sensation : certainly less common, but it is possible to feel this sensation on the tongue, especially when consuming very hot, acidic or spicy foods.
  
  

It is important to understand where this color comes from in order to get rid of it effectively.

Typically, this comes from a buildup of microbes and food debris and dead cells on the taste buds. 🤢 Normally flat, the taste buds on your tongue can elongate, creating a conducive environment for these substances to collect and react chemically. Result ? This results in this famous dark coloring.

Several risk factors can also be noted:

• Poor oral hygiene : as is often the case, poor oral health brings its share of ailments. It is therefore crucial to brush your teeth, at least twice a day, and to use a tongue scraper regularly.
  
  

• Consumption of certain products : hello smokers and tea and coffee drinkers! 👋 And yes, you again. They stain the elongated papillae and accentuate the dark coloring.
  
  

• Use of certain medications : ingesting certain antibiotics for a long time or using mouthwashes with oxidizing agents can disrupt the microbial balance. Enough to facilitate the proliferation of microbes responsible for the condition of your tongue.
  
  

• Medical conditions : Conditions like diabetes or dry mouth ( xerostomia ) can also play a role. They change the composition of saliva and reduce its ability to naturally clean the tongue. Ultimately, this creates an environment favorable to bacterial growth.

Although villous tongue is generally a benign and temporary condition , it can cause certain consequences, particularly in terms of oral health and aesthetic and psychological impact.

Even if a dark-colored tongue does not cause direct damage to your oral health, it can be a warning about your hygiene, or even other more serious problems. Indeed, the accumulation of bacteria can lead to more severe infections or persistent bad breath. If this is the case, a quick visit to the dentist is strongly recommended to restore the natural balance of your mouth. 😷

The mental repercussions of an oral problem should never be underestimated. Having a villous tongue can be a source of anxiety . With such an unusual coloring and shaggy feel, it can affect self-confidence and social well-being. Suffering from this aesthetic problem can limit social interactions, especially in situations that involve physical proximity or conversation, thus leading to social isolation . 😞

You know, I imagine, the principle of burying your head in the sand? Well, concern about the appearance of the tongue can cause some people to avoid seeing a professional. Which, inevitably, delays a diagnosis or specific treatments. It is therefore fundamental to raise awareness about this pathology to reduce stigma and encourage timely treatment . So in conclusion: no shame, go and consult! 👅

Obviously we're not going to leave you like that! Please note that this pathology is easily treated, in particular thanks to good oral hygiene and a few adjustments to your lifestyle. Advice that will be just as useful to avoid the appearance of a black villous tongue.

We're repeating ourselves, but that's the key. 🤌 Simply take care of your mouth. A daily cleaning routine can already make a difference, and prevent bacteria and food residue from accumulating on your tongue.

We brush our teeth twice a day, minimum . Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Remember to gently brush the surface of your tongue to remove bacteria and food particles. The tongue scraper is particularly effective for removing excess dead cells.

And for prevention, remember to drink enough water throughout the day. This helps maintain good salivation, and therefore naturally cleans your mouth of microbes and food particles. We invite you to consult this article from Mayo Clinic , which highlights the importance of good mouth and tongue hygiene.