Hairy tongue
(lingua villosa) is a commonly
observed condition of defective desquamation of the filiform papillae that
results from a variety of precipitating factors. Usually the ends of the
papillae get rubbed away by food but sometimes they grow much longer than
normal, making the tongue look furry.
This extra tissue can get stained and become a
variety of colours. The condition is most frequently referred to as black hairy
tongue (lingua villosa nigra);
however, hairy tongue may also appear brown, white, green, pink, or any of a
variety of hues depending on the specific etiology and secondary factors (eg, use of coloured mouthwashes, breath
mints, tobacco). Bacterial and fungal infections may also complicate the
condition.
Whilst dramatic in appearance, use of a
toothbrush on the tongue (together with
any appropriate antibiotics) is normally enough to effect a cure.
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