Black hairy tongue is a condition where the tongue takes on a dark, furry appearance. This is due to a buildup of dead skin cells on the papillae, which are the small bumps on the tongue. These papillae can then trap food, drinks, tobacco, bacteria, yeast, and other substances, leading to staining and the characteristic "hairy" look.
Here's a breakdown:
- Cause: Buildup of dead skin cells on the papillae of the tongue.
- Appearance: Dark and furry.
- Contributing Factors:
- Food and drinks
- Tobacco use
- Bacteria or yeast
- Poor oral hygiene
In summary, "hairy tongue" specifically refers to a condition, often called black hairy tongue, resulting from accumulated debris on elongated tongue papillae.
