http://www.fpnotebook.com/
Hairy Tongue
Aka: Hairy Tongue, Black Hairy Tongue, Furry Tongue, Black Tongue
- Pathophysiology
- Hyperplasia of Filiform Papillae on dorsal Tongue
- Papillae may elongate to >1 cm (usually 1 mm)
- Response to poor Desquamation, excessive keratinization
- Risk Factors
- Tobacco Abuse
- Inadequate Oral Hygiene
- Oxidizing mouth wash use
- Overgrowth of oral fungus (Thrush)
- Aspergillus niger
- Candida albicans
- HIV Infection or other immunosuppression
- Epstein Barr Virus has been identified on biopsy
- May follow antibiotic therapy
- Symptoms
- Painless
- May cause gagging sensation or altered Taste Sensation
- Halitosis may occur from food accumulation
- Signs
- "Hair" of elongated papillae on Tongue dorsum
- Yellowish to brown or black coloration
- Velvety, or shaggy, asymptomatic keratoses
- Unable to wipe off Plaque
- Color altered by foods, Tobacco, coffee, tea
- Distribution
- Dorsal Tongue surface
- Management
- Improves with Tongue brushing with soft brush
- Avoid predisposing factors above
- References
- McGrath (2008) CMAJ 178(9): 1137-8