Healthbeautyidea.com – Hairy Appearance of Tongue may sound ridiculous, but this condition can happen. Maybe you imagine the hair that grows on the tongue like fine fur on the skin or like hair. In fact, the hair on the tongue is a bit different.
Hairy tongue definition
Hairy tongue is a medical condition that occurs when the surface of the tongue changes color to black and looks a lot of hair. Although imagining this condition is quite ridiculous and makes you uncomfortable, but the strange condition is not dangerous.
People who experience hairy tongues don’t actually have hair on their tongue. The fur referred to in this case are small bumps on the surface of the tongue.
The bulge undergoes changes in color and size. So, it looks like there is a fur growing on the surface of the tongue. This fur-like protrusion can grow up to 18 millimeters and can change color to brown and black.
Hairy tongue causes
A number of the following conditions can be the cause of hairy tongue, including:
Poor oral hygiene
This can lead to a buildup of bacteria or fungi, which causes a hairy tongue.
Certain substances
Excessive use of tobacco, alco**hol, coffee or tea can trigger the condition of the hairy tongue.
Dehydration or dry mouth
Dehydration or dry mouth (xerostomia) can reduce moisture in the mouth. This can make a person more susceptible to hairy tongue.
Certain medications
Antibiotics can cause changes in the normal flora in the mouth that can trigger the occurrence of hairy tongue. In addition, medications for acid reflux diseases such as proton pump inhibitors can also cause this condition.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy, especially in the head and neck area, can increase the chances of hairy tongue in a person.
Oral hygiene products
Certain types of mouthwashes that contain oxidizing agents such as peroxide can irritate the tongue and cause hairy tongue.
Lack of saliva production
Lack of saliva can cause keratin in the tongue papillae to stick longer than it should so that the dead cells on the tongue do not remove completely.
Certain health conditions
If the hairy tongue looks white, it is likely caused by certain diseases such as leukoplakia triggered by the Epstein-Barr virus or HIV/AIDS.
Hairy tongue symptoms
In addition to appearance, there are other symptoms that may arise from hairy tongue, including:
- Burning sensation on the tongue
- Tingling sensation on the palate when swallowing
- Choking sensation
- Bad breath
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Nauseous.
When to consult a doctor?
Hairy tongue is usually only temporary and can generally be overcome by maintaining oral hygiene while avoiding the causative factors of this condition. However, if self-care does not produce results, you can consult a doctor, including a dentist.
Your doctor will examine your tongue and evaluate the condition. If necessary, the doctor can perform a biopsy procedure as a support for the diagnosis. In rare cases, treatment using medications or surgery may be necessary.
Hairy Appearance of Tongue Treatment
Hairy tongue conditions often do not require medical treatment as this is usually a temporary condition, which does not pose a serious health risk. Treatment usually includes lifestyle changes that are suspected to be triggers for the onset of Hairy Appearance of Tongue.
Approaches that can be taken include:
- Avoid foods and drinks that trigger hairy tongue, such as coffee, tea, alco**hol, and tobacco.
- Brushing your tongue to improve oral hygiene.
- Replace the drug suspected of triggering hairy tongue with the advice of a doctor.
If lifestyle changes still haven’t been able to overcome hairy tongue, your doctor may recommend more focused treatments, such as prescription antibiotics or antifungals.
Summary
The unpleasant Hairy Appearance of Tongue can cause psychological discomfort or embarrassment, but is usually a harmless condition with no other symptoms.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important in preventing and treating the incidence of hairy tongue. However, in rare cases, medication or surgery may be needed to treat the condition.
References:
- Image: Com4 at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Common
- Video: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
