2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-07 17:49
Black coating on the tongue
Black plaque on the tongue is the appearance of layers on the organ, having the corresponding color, different thickness, density and hardness. It is known that normally the receptor organ should have a pink color. Therefore, blackening of the surface of the tongue is a symptom of a pathological process taking place in the body. Some time ago, doctors regarded the blackening of the tongue as an unambiguous sign of cholera. With the development of medicine, it became clear that plaque of this color may have other causes. According to statistics, men are more likely to suffer from black plaque in the language than women.
Content:
- Causes of black plaque on the tongue
- Symptoms of black plaque on the tongue
- Treatment of black plaque in the tongue
Causes of black plaque on the tongue
The reasons for the appearance on the tongue, black coating can be distinguished as follows:
- Consumption of products with a coloring base. It can be candies, mulberries, blueberries, etc. Activated charcoal can also stain the tongue.
- Violation of the acid-base environment of the body, which most often occurs due to excessive consumption of baking, fats and carbohydrates, with complete disregard for plant foods.
- Intoxication of the body, which is chronic. As a rule, the tongue turns black when a significant amount of toxins accumulates in the blood.
- Diseases of the digestive system. Moreover, in addition to black plaque, a person complains of a bitter taste in the mouth that appears in the morning.
- Diseases accompanied by a prolonged increase in body temperature.
- Chromogenic fungal infection.
- Chronic alcoholism.
- Poisoning with chemicals.
- Stomach ulcer.
- Diets composed by a non-professional with the wrong choice of products.
- Cholestasis (congestion in the gallbladder) and calculous cholecystitis. Often in this case, the tongue becomes not just black, but a yellow-black hue.
- Crohn's disease.
- The increased content of melanin in the mucous membranes.
- Dehydration of the body.
- Drug use.
In childhood, the cause of the appearance of black plaque on the tongue may be the introduction of complementary foods too early. If a child's tongue turns black, then his body is not ready to cope with new food and he needs support in the form of preparations containing bifidobacteria. At an older age, the causes of the appearance of black deposits on the tongue in children are diseases of the digestive system.
Symptoms of black plaque on the tongue
Black plaque is a symptom of a particular disease or inflammatory process in the body.
It is worth paying attention to the following signs that characterize the appearance of black plaque:
- Its shade. It can range from bluish black to light black, and can be slightly yellowish or brown in color.
- Plaque zoning. Overlays can be located both over the entire surface of the tongue, and along its center, closer to the root or tip of the organ.
- Substrate mobility.
- The relief of the lingual surface.
- The presence of other formations, in the form of ulcers, abscesses, acne, etc.
- The presence of an unpleasant sour odor from the mouth.
- The presence of a bitter taste.
All these symptoms make it possible to more accurately establish the cause that led to the formation of black plaque on the tongue.
In addition, much depends on the type and shape that the plaque has. If it is present in the form of small black dots, then this indicates a fungal infection of the oral cavity, an exacerbation of chronic diseases of the digestive system, or lead poisoning (in addition to this, the gums are covered with a black border, a metallic taste appears in the mouth).
If the black plaque has the form of a large spot, then this indicates gastrointestinal problems, an exacerbation of chronic diseases, the development of complications after serious infections, and infection of the urinary tract.
Treatment of black plaque in the tongue
Black deposits rarely appear on their own and are not caused by any disease. Therefore, if they are not removed with a brush or reappear after a short time, you need to consult a doctor. He will help determine the cause that caused his formation, and prescribe the appropriate treatment. This can be the stabilization of the intestinal microflora with the help of preparations containing bacteria, the removal of existing inflammation in the digestive organs, etc.
Sometimes it is enough to revise the diet and lifestyle in general, including giving up bad habits. Do not forget about taking a complex of vitamins, but only as prescribed by a doctor.
Drinking regime is important. This is especially true in the complex therapy of body intoxication. At the same time, at least 2 liters of clean water should be consumed per day.
Do not self-medicate, because black plaque can be a manifestation of serious diseases, for example, Crohn's disease. It, in turn, requires taking hormone-containing drugs, in combination with antibiotic therapy and the course of administration of immunosuppressants.
To find out the reason for the appearance of black overlays on the tongue, it is worth contacting your dentist or therapist. Having studied the problem, the doctor can either prescribe therapy on his own, or redirect the patient to another specialist, for example, a gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, etc.
When plaque appears, black, caused by improper oral hygiene, the following recommendations will help:
- Cleansing the tongue with a soft brush. In this case, movements should go from the root of the tongue towards its tip. They should be light, without force.
- Rubbing the surface of the tongue with 5 or 10 percent resocin solution. It has a disinfecting, astringent and cauterizing effect. Promotes the stimulation of regenerative processes, in this case it is used as an antiseptic. However, it is worth remembering the contraindications that this remedy has, therefore, you should consult your doctor before using it. Forbidden for use in children.
- Salicylic alcohol can be used as a disinfectant, which should be used to wipe the tongue several times a day.
These methods are effective if plaque forms due to inadequate oral hygiene. Only a doctor can determine the exact cause.
The author of the article: Gorshenina Elena Ivanovna | Gastroenterologist
Education: Diploma in the specialty "General Medicine" received at the Russian State Medical University named after N. I. Pirogova (2005). Postgraduate studies in the specialty "Gastroenterology" - educational and scientific medical center.
Recommended:
Black Cohosh (plant) - Useful Properties And Uses Of Black Cohosh, Cultivation, Flowers And Black Cohosh Root. Black Cohosh Racemose
Black cohoshUseful properties and use of black cohoshUseful properties of black cohoshThe beneficial properties of the herb are constantly being studied, although it has long been famous for its medicinal effect on the human body. Even the North American Indians knew that with the help of black cohosh, many diseases were treated
Brown Plaque On The Tongue - The Causes Of Education, What Does He Talk About, How To Treat?
Brown coating on the tongueBrown plaque on the tongue is the formation of a substrate of varying thickness, stability and density on the mucous membrane of the organ, which has a brown tint. This plaque consists of dead epithelial cells, bacteria, microbes, the smallest pieces of food
Red Plaque On The Tongue - The Causes Of Education, What Does He Talk About, How To Treat?
Red coating on the tongueRed plaque on the tongue is the formation of layers on the mucous surface of the tongue that have a red tint, of varying density, localization and mobility. A change in the color of the tongue indicates the onset of the disease
Gray Plaque On The Tongue - The Causes Of Education, What Does He Talk About, How To Treat?
Gray coating on the tongueGray plaque on the tongue is the formation of layers of varying density, size and shape on the mucous surface of the tongue. In most cases, gray plaque is an indicator that some pathological processes are taking place in the body
White Plaque On The Tongue - Causes And Treatment Of White Plaque On The Tongue, Why Is It Formed?
Causes, symptoms and treatment of white plaque on the tongueDecreased function of the salivary glands at night leads to the formation of a whitish plaque on the tongue as a result of the vital activity of bacteria. It can be accompanied by unpleasant odors in the mouth, bad breath