Hairy tongue, a condition that results from rarely cleaning the mouth

What is a hairy tongue?

Source: Aocd

Hairy tongue is a medical condition that occurs when the surface of the tongue changes color and shows a lot of hair. Although imagining this condition is quite ridiculous and makes you uncomfortable, it is not dangerous.

People with hairy tongues don't actually have hair on their tongue. The hairs referred to in this case are small bumps on the surface of the tongue that change color and size. So, it seems as if there are hairs growing on the surface of the tongue.

These protrusions can grow up to 18 millimeters and can turn brown and black in color.

Under normal circumstances, the lumps are called papillae. On the tongue, there are various types of papillae that are pink in color and contain taste buds. One of them is the filiform papillae that spread across the surface of the tongue.

However, people who have a hairy tongue experience problems with the filiform papillae and keratin buildup in that area. Coupled with food residue and bacteria that accumulate in the same area, making the filiform papillae change color to look like hair.

What causes hairy tongue?

Actually it is not known exactly what causes hairy tongue, but there are several factors that make this condition appear.

One of them, the application of a soft food diet. This diet makes people who do not get enough stimulation to the papillae, so that over time the nerves lose their ability.

Food will accumulate on that part of the tongue and invite bacteria to grow too. This is what then makes your tongue hairy.

However, it's not just this factor alone that you can experience hairy tongue right away. There are several other factors that cause hairy tongue to appear in your oral cavity, namely:

Poor oral hygiene. A dirty oral cavity can become a hotbed for bacterial or fungal growth that triggers hairy tongue
Use of certain substances, such as: cigarettes, excessive alcohol consumption, coffee, or tea
Dry or dehydrated mouth. This condition makes the moisture in the oral cavity less so that it is easier to experience a hairy tongue.
Some drugs. Certain medications disturb the normal balance of bacteria in the mouth. For example, antibiotics or stomach acid drugs.

Symptoms of a hairy tongue

Apart from a discolored tongue and a hairy appearance, there are other possible symptoms:

Burning sensation on the tongue. This condition arises as a result of the effects of fungal or bacterial growth.
There is a tingling feeling in the mouth when swallowing. This condition arises because the filliform papillae are longer and can easily touch the roof of the mouth. Some people who are overly sensitive to this condition can experience choking.
Bad breath otherwise known as halitosis. This odor is also caused by the growth of bacteria and fungi in the mouth.
There is a metallic or iron taste in the mouth.
Nausea. The discomfort you feel in the oral cavity can also make you nauseous, which can lead to decreased appetite.

How to deal with a hairy tongue

A hairy tongue is often temporary, and this is usually not a sign of a more serious problem. However, usually the trigger for hairy tongue is the result of a lifelong habit, such as smoking. So, habits like this that definitely need to be avoided first.

Apart from that what you need to do is:

Maintain oral hygiene by brushing your teeth properly, and rinsing your mouth when it is dirty or after eating
Clean the tongue regularly
Stop using drugs that trigger a hairy tongue.
Stop bad habits such as smoking, use of alcohol and some drugs that can cause hairy tongue
Consider what to eat and drink. Dark liquids and foods can give color to the filliform papillae of the tongue. Such as black coffee, tea, and so on

If this hairy tongue does not go away, you should consult your doctor. The treatments that are usually given by doctors are: