Hairy tongue is usually harmless and will go away with proper care. Find out what it is, how to get rid of it, and when you may need a healthcare provider. A hairy tongue is an abnormal and temporary coating on the dorsal surface of the tongue. Read below to know the causes, symptoms, prevention, and management. Hairy Tongue The term hairy tongue is used to describe an abnormal coating on the top (dorsal) surface of the tongue . It is a relatively common, temporary, and harmless condition that occurs in as much as 13% of the population. Hairy tongue can occur at any age but is more frequent in older age. It is found more commonly in males than females and equally among races. In hairy tongue there is defective shedding of the tongue ’s covering tissue. Normally the tongue is covered with conical ... Background Hairy tongue , also known as black hairy tongue or lingua villosa, is a benign and usually temporary condition characterized by the elongation and discoloration of the papillae on the surface of the tongue . Despite its name, hairy tongue does not involve actual hair growth on the tongue . Instead, the condition results from an accumulation of dead skin cells, bacteria, and other debris on the tongue ’s papillae, causing them to appear elongated and discolored. Hairy tongue is ...
