Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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General health information

Hairy tongue

Hairy tongue is a harmless change to the tongue's surface. The small projections, called papillae, become longer than usual and trap pigments, bacteria, yeasts and food debris. This can make the tongue look black, brown, yellow or green and sometimes cause an unpleasant taste or bad breath. It often looks worse than it is, but persistent discolouration, pain or other mouth symptoms should be assessed.

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  • Hairy tongue is usually a harmless tongue change and often clears with better mouth care and removal of triggering factors.
  • The tongue may look black, brown, yellow or green. This is not real hair: elongated papillae trap pigments and coating.
  • Common contributing factors include smoking, a dry mouth, recent antibiotics, little solid food, poor oral hygiene and some mouthwashes.
  • Hairy tongue differs from thrush, leukoplakia or a sore on the tongue. A check is sensible if unsure.
  • During the day, contact your own GP or dentist. Outside office hours, call HAP 9252 for urgent GP care. For immediate danger to life, call 912.

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Further reading

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B
Bad breathBad breath usually comes from the mouth or teeth, for example from a coated tongue, gum problems or a dry mouth. Thorough cleaning often helps, but persistent odour needs dental assessment. Swelling and swallowing or breathing problems are warning signs.
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Lichen planusLichen planus is an inflammatory condition of the skin or mucous membranes. It can affect the skin, mouth, genitals, scalp or nails. Symptoms are often not dangerous, but can last a long time and sometimes cause scarring or permanent damage. Oral and genital forms need monitoring, and follow-up matters in some forms because of a small risk of cancerous change.
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Sensitive to certain vegetables, fruit or nutsItching, tingling or mild swelling in the mouth and throat soon after raw fruit, raw vegetables or some nuts may be pollen-food syndrome, also called oral allergy syndrome. Proteins in the food resemble pollen you are allergic to. Symptoms are often local and cooked food is sometimes tolerated, but a primary food allergy may cause a more severe reaction. Have the pattern assessed and do not try a suspect food again yourself if you have had throat symptoms or a whole-body reaction.