13/03/2024
Hairy tongue (HT) 👅
-Also known as a coated tongue
-A benign condition associated with hyposalivation, edentulism, poor diet and chronic illness.
-Caused by retention or accumulation of keratin on the filiform papillae and/or reduced normal desquamation.
-Pain or sensitivity from HT is not usual. -The elongated papillae may be stained from food, to***co or chromogenic bacteria. The papillae may look brown, black, yellow, orange or green.
-Management strategies include adequate hydration, reducing caffeine, eating a balanced diet with roughage, smoking cessation, avoidance of dehydrating mouthrinse and gentle tongue cleaning.
Disclaimer: not medical advice
