What is Hairy Tongue

Hairy Tongue:  This is a relatively rare condition which is caused by the elongation of the taste buds.  This condition can be caused by poor oral hygiene, chronic oral irritation or smoking.  The far right photograph shows a patient who has been treated with  radiation therapy for head and neck cancer and has chronic oral inflammation.  Treatment involves good oral hygiene, brushing of the tongue, mouth rinses and sometimes the trimming of the elongated papilla.   The left picture is the same patient two months later after improvement in his oral hygiene.

Another patient with a Black Hairy Tongue.   This patient had significant gastroesophageal reflux.  Control of her reflux along with the use of Nystatin and bushing of her tongue resulted in a marked improvement in her condition.  the pre-treatment picture is the picture on the right.  The patient’s tongue 2 months post treatment is