Hairy Tongue

HairyTongue

What is Hairy tongue?

Hairy tongue is used to describe an unusuallayer on the top surface of the tongue. Hairytongue occurs at all ages but is moreexpected in older ages. It is found more commonly in males. It is a common but can cause discomfort and short-termed. However, it is harmless condition, not to mention can cause embarrassment for the patient.

What are the causes ofHairy tongue?

Predisposing factors have been related tobad oral hygiene, a shift in the micro-flora, antibiotics and immunosuppressive drugs, oral candidiasis, excessive alcohol consumption, oral inactivity, and therapeutic radiation. also associated with smoking habits.

How does Hairy tongue look like?

Hairy tongue is an impaired desquamation of the filiform papilla, which leads to the hairy-like clinical appearance.

It is colors from white to black depending on food debris and the compositions of the oral microflora.The filiform papilla, which leads to the hairy-like appearance could  reach lengths in excess of 3 mm  to  more than just 15 mm.

How do we diagnoseHairy tongue?

Health care providers can make the diagnosis based on the clinical appearance.

Hairy tongue can be found in the posterior one-third of the tongue but may involve the entire tongue.

How do we manage Hairy tongue?

Treatment of hairy tongue is focused onreduction of excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking habits.Also,Taking care of oral hygiene is a main factor for treating hairy tongue. Brushing the tongue with a tooth brush or tongue scrappers should be a part of daily oral hygiene.

The use of food constituents with an abrasive effect may also be used to prevent recurrences.

Dentist may remove the elongated filiform papilla by applying topical solution 25% of  Podophyllin  and scrab it by a tongue scrapper.

For further information please visitThe American Academy of Oral Medicine (AAOM) website at:

https://www.aaom.com/oral-medicine-condition-information