Black hairy tongue
Black hairy tongue syndrome (BHT) is a condition of the tongue in which the small bumps on the tongue elongate with black or brown discoloration, giving a black and hairy appearance. The appearance may be alarming, but it is a harmless condition. Predisposing factors include smoking, xerostomia (dry mouth), soft diet, poor oral hygiene and certain medications. Management is facilitated by improving oral hygiene, especially scraping or brushing the tongue.
| Black hairy tongue | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Lingua villosa nigra or Melanoglossia. |
| A patient displaying characteristic dark bumps of black hairy tongue | |
| Specialty | Dermatology |
| Risk factors | Smoking, poor oral hygiene, soft diet |
| Diagnostic method | Based on clinical appearance |
| Differential diagnosis | Hairy leukoplakia |
| Treatment | Reassurance |
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