The little-known condition that can make your tongue look ‘hairy’ – and what it means for your health
A little-known condition can leave the tongue looking black, brown or even green, with an appearance that has understandably caused concern among those who have experienced it.
Changes to the tongue can sometimes point to health issues, with conditions including nutritional deficiencies and infections capable of altering its colour or texture.
One woman previously revealed how her tongue turned jet black after she began taking Wegovy, whilst another case reported by the Daily Mail involved a woman who said she had been dealing with a black tongue for almost a year despite repeatedly scraping it.
Despite the appearance being understandably alarming, experts say one possible explanation is a condition that sounds far worse than it actually is.
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Known as black hairy tongue, it develops when the small structures covering the tongue, called papillae, do not shed dead cells as they usually would.
Dental therapist Dr Laura Bailey, or ‘laurasmileclub’ as she’s known on her Instagram, who has worked in practice for 13 years, explained to UNILAD that the result can create the illusion of hair growing across the tongue.
She said: “Normally, when you eat and drink, the friction created with your saliva helps to shed old, dead cells from the tongue.
“When something interrupts that cycle — and there are lots of different things that can cause it — dirt, bacteria, staining and yeast can become trapped in these cells, which have essentially continued growing rather than being shed.
“This creates a coating that looks like hair. It isn’t actually hair, but it can look very much like it.”
Bailey said one of the most common causes is the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, including doxycycline, which can alter the balance of bacteria inside the mouth.
Dry mouth can also contribute to the condition — with smoking, vaping, dehydration and excessive tea and coffee consumption among the potential factors.
Overusing peroxide-based mouthwash can also disrupt the oral microbiome, meaning attempts to clean the mouth too aggressively could potentially prolong the problem.
In addition, contrary to its name, black hairy tongue does not always appear black.
Bailey explained: “The colour is indicative of your diet and what you’re putting in your mouth.
“If you’re a smoker, for example, it’s probably going to look black. If you drink lots of matcha or consume a lot of turmeric, then it can take on more of a green or orange colour.
“So, it’s not necessarily always black. It’s essentially staining.”
Research data cited by Bailey suggests between one and 11 percent of people in the UK will experience the condition at some stage, with smokers and vapers facing an increased likelihood.
Crucially, however, the condition itself is not considered dangerous. Bailey said: “Even though it can look pretty intense, there’s nothing inherently serious about it.”
She recommended gentle tongue scraping with a dedicated scraper, maintaining good oral hygiene, staying hydrated, and avoiding excessive peroxide-based mouthwash.
Anyone whose tongue remains discoloured for a prolonged period should still seek professional advice to establish what may be causing it.
Bailey added: “I think the biggest thing is that it looks scary and sounds a bit gross, but it’s not hair and it is harmless.
“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about, so don’t feel like you can’t reach out to a dental professional because you’re embarrassed. We’ve seen it all!”
Topics: Health
Ben Williams