Why Do I Have Black Spots on My Tongue?

Did you wake up to get ready for your office and discover black spots on your tongue? It can be quite shocking to witness that, compelling you to request a leave, and letting several negative thoughts cross your mind, wondering what went wrong.

Yes, this situation makes you consult your healthcare professional to give you an accurate diagnosis, but you need to understand what led to these black spots. Therefore, without adding more to your stress, let’s shed light on the reasons for such spots on your tongue.

Black Hairy Tongue

One of the most common reasons behind black spots is this condition, known as “black hairy tongue”. The name might have disturbed you, but you need not worry as it is harmless and even temporary. This happens due to an overgrowth of tiny, finger-like projections on the surface of your tongue called papillae. According to the National Library of Medicine, its ratio varies geographically, typically ranging from 0.6% to 11.3%. The papillae tend to trap bacteria, food debris, and other substances, resulting in a dark and furry look.

Factors Responsible For Black Hairy Tongue

Poor Oral Hygiene: If you don’t brush properly, then you are letting bacteria and dead cells accumulate and settle on your tongue’s surface.

Smoking: Are you a smoker? Because tobacco can also irritate your tongue and result in this discoloration.

Certain Medications: Some medications can also be held accountable for changing the oral hygiene and causing those black spots on your tongue. So, if you are taking any such pills, then that could be the reason.

Dry Mouth: Dry mouth, where saliva production is insufficient, can open the ground for the bacteria to reside and multiply.

Soft Food Diet: If you have been asked to follow a soft food diet, then naturally you are not even chewing firmer foods, whose abrasive texture is needed for producing saliva. Hence, that prevents natural shedding of the papillae.

To restore your tongue, you must focus on your brushing habits. For instance, improve your oral hygiene, which includes brushing your tongue with a scraper.

Fungal Infections

In the list of causes, fungal infections are also present, meaning the yeast among us, which is most commonly oral thrush. In some instances, thrush may appear to be white or creamy lesions, but can change its color into darker spots too. This usually occurs in individuals with a weak immune system, those taking particular medications, or those with existing health conditions like diabetes.

In case it's a fungal infection, you might experience other signs like a sore throat and difficulty eating food. Your dentist might recommend buying antifungal medications to treat that oral thrush.

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation can affect your tongue as well. It is less common to cause such black spots on your tongue, but they can emerge as darker patches on it. There are a few factors that stimulate hyperpigmentation, like medications, where some drugs’ side effects result in pigmentation. And Addison’s disease, which is a hormonal disorder, results in hyperpigmentation in various areas, including your mouth.

Conclusion

Now, you understand the reasons behind those black spots on your tongue. So, don't panic; get yourself a good tongue scraper and also seek advice from your vet.