Hairy tongue

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Hairy tongue

A hairy tongue is caused by an overgrowth of the hairlike rough surface of the tongue (papillae). The tongue will look like it is covered with hair. A person with a hairy tongue often has severe bad breath (halitosis). Soreness is not usually present.

Causes of a hairy tongue include poor oral hygiene, decreased saliva in the mouth, and side effects of antibiotic treatment. Hairy tongue can also be caused by the overuse of some types of mouthwashes and smoking or the use of smokeless (spit) tobacco.

Hairy tongue is not a serious condition and will usually clear up after the antibiotic or mouthwash is discontinued, saliva flow increases, or oral hygiene improves. Brushing your tongue daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste or a solution of 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 2 parts water may help remove the hairlike growths. This may also help prevent hairy tongue.

Credits

Author	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Editor	Alison Allen
Editor	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist
Last Updated	December 1, 2006

Last updated:	December 01, 2006
Author:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer

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