Halitosis and Hairy Tongue Syndrome



Hairy TongueSome people suffer from a condition known as hairy tongue syndrome, also called black hairy tongue syndrome. Hairy tongue syndrome can cause bad breath, and for good reason.

Hairy tongue syndrome is marked by enlargement, pain and enlargement of the tongue. This condition is also characterized by hair on the tongue, a discoloration or unusual texture, as well as ulcers, swelling and possibly a white lining to the tongue. Some people suffering from hairy tongue or black hairy tongue syndrome may also experience a groove or split in the tongue and a bumpy appearance, and possibly the tongue shifting to one side in the mouth.

To discover how hairy tongue syndrome can occur, consider for a moment the construction of the surface of the tongue. The surface of the tongue contains the taste buds located between papilla, or small bumps on the surface of the tongue. Also covering the tongue is a mucous membrane. Normally, the tongue’s color is light pink, with the taste buds appearing a little different color. In the case of discoloration to the tongue, such as a darker color, along with any of the symptoms outlined above, can indicate the presence of hairy tongue syndrome.

One cause of this discoloration is eating some types of candies, or using some mouthwashes or mints, as well as ingesting some types of antibiotics. Discoloration in general is caused by bacteria growing between the papilla, the bumps found on the tongue surface. Hairy tongue syndrome can result in halitosis. A very unpleasant disorder, hairy tongue syndrome or black tongue syndrome should be treated quickly, and is most effectively cured with antibiotics.

The main cause of hairy tongue or black tongue syndrome is the impact of the amount of yeast on one’s system after a course of antibiotics (not the types used to cure the syndrome), and an additional cause is simply poor oral hygiene. A good way to prevent hairy tongue syndrome is to be sure to brush the tongue using a toothbrush at least twice a day, followed by a rinse of one part hydrogen peroxide to five parts fresh water, followed by rinsing with plain water.

If brushing does not work to remove the problem, sufferers should consult their dentist immediately. A doctor or dentist can provide a prescription antibiotic to treat and cure the syndrome.

Sometimes certain products can cause black or hairy tongue syndrome such as the following: products which contain bismuth, for example Pepto-Bismol, the daily use of any mouthwash which contains an oxidizing agent such as peroxide; using witch hazel or menthol; smoking or other tobacco use; and excessive intake of caffeinated drinks such as tea or coffee.

You can find very useful information online about the black tongue/hairy tongue syndrome, including www.nlm.nih.gov, MayoClinic.com, and About.com. Sites usually have pictures, illustrations and suggestions for how to treat and cure these tongue disorders.

Hairy tongue syndrome or black tongue syndrome is not a serious condition, but anyone suffering from the condition will feel self-conscious and understandably, since it is not a very attractive disorder. It can seem more serious than it is, as it is actually quite harmless, can easily be treated and cured quickly.

With proper treatment of the hairy tongue syndromes as described, the symptoms of halitosis will be eliminated along with the disorder. Be sure if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of the hairy tongue/black hairy tongue syndrome as noted, you should seek treatment as quickly as possible to keep from worrying and clear up the problem.

In summary, to prevent hairy tongue syndrome and to keep it from coming back, the best tings to do are to stop smoking, reduce the use of certain antibiotics, avoid any mouthwashes that contain hydrogen peroxide, or stop using them on a daily basis, unless otherwise directed by your doctor or dentist.

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