According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. Black Tongue is also known as Black Hairy Tongue or in “doctorese” “lingua nigra”. It is characterized by a blackish or brownish discoloration or staining of the filiform papillae and may include an elongation of the papillae. Such changes often begin at the back (posterior) of the tongue and work their way forward. But never involve the undersurface.   

These changes often result in the growth and discoloration of the papillae and may begin with the circumvallate papillae at the back of the tongue.

Hairy tongue is thought to be the result of inadequate “shedding” of the outermost layer of the papillae. The color may be the result of pigment-producing bacteria or fungi normally present in the mouth and an abnormal accumulation of pigment residues, keratin and other debris on the tongue. Keratin is a type of protein that makes up skin and nails and hair. Read the rest of this entry »

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