Black dots on the tongue could also appear due to a harmless condition called black hairy tongue. According to The Mayo Clinic, this condition happens when a buildup of dead skin cells on the papillae on the surface of the tongue don’t shed normally. The result is a tongue that has a black “furry” appearance.
The human tongue is basically a muscle covered in taste buds. As you chew, your tongue moves the food around the mouth, and flavor signals are sent to the brain by the taste buds. These taste buds are visible to the human eye and might stick out and appear as dark dots when red wine or coffee stains them.
Anyone can develop spots on the tongue. Spots are usually temporary and not harmful. You’re at increased risk for oral problems if you use tobacco products, abuse alcohol, or have a weakened immune system. The risk of tongue cancer increases with age and is more common in men.
The first mention of COVID tongue came in 2021 when a British professor of genetic epidemiology tweeted about tongue changes – mainly inflammation – and an increased presence of mouth ulcers among COVID patients.
In most cases, black hairy tongue symptoms will go away on their own in about one to two weeks. If your symptoms last longer, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss treatment options.
A black tongue usually doesn’t require much treatment. In most cases, regularly brushing your tongue with a toothbrush should help remove dead skin cells and stains within a few days. If you suspect that a medication or prescribed liquid diet is causing your black tongue, make an appointment with your doctor.
HELLO, BLACK SPOTS ARE COMMON IN IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA.
Some illness that can cause a black tongue are: Bacteria in the mouth that produce sulfur compounds1. A condition called black hairy tongue or lingua villosa nigra , in which too much bacteria or yeast grows on the tongue2.
Tongue Body Colour
If the tongue is purple it signifies Blood Stagnation or clotting. When pale it can indicate a Blood Deficiency imbalance, or in some instances the presence of Cold. If the tongue is bright red this tells me that there is Heat present – either Excess Heat or Deficient Heat.
A healthy tongue is usually pink with a whitish coating on the top and sides. When changes in the color, shape, size, or texture of the tongue last longer than a few days, it is likely a good idea to see a doctor.
The most common skin changes linked with mild to severe COVID-19 include a flat rash covered with small bumps, discolored areas on the fingers and toes (COVID toes), and hives. COVID toes appear to be more common in children and young adults. Swelling or discoloration can develop on one or several toes or fingers.
Certain disorders and conditions can cause dry mouth, including anxiety, stress, depression, cancer therapy, and certain autoimmune disorders, such as Sjogren’s syndrome. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease also often lead to dehydration, increasing the risk for dry mouth.
All of the variants, including omicron BA.5, cause similar COVID-19 symptoms:- runny nose.
cough.
sore throat.
fever.
headaches.
muscle pain.
fatigue.
Black tongue usually occurs due to a buildup of the protein keratin on the tongue’s surface. However, an overgrowth of bacteria or fungi within the mouth can also cause the tongue to appear black. Black tongue is temporary and tends to clear up without treatment.
Clinical Findings in Tongue Pathology
B12 deficiency will also make the tongue sore and beefy-red in color. Glossitis, by causing swelling of the tongue, may also cause the tongue to appear smooth. Among women, low-estrogen states may cause a “menopausal glossitis”.
Darkening of hairy tongue probably results from chromogenic bacteria that colonize the scaly mass. The use of tobacco, certain food products, bismuth, and iron supplements may also contribute to the dark pigmentation.
Causes of Tongue Discoloration
Poor oral hygiene habits. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol or coffee/tea. Using a mouthwash with an oxidizing agent like hydrogen peroxide. Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, caused by insufficient saliva production.
The etiology of this condition is most commonly due to the side effects of certain drugs, including antibiotics, antihypertensives, psychotropics, and oxygenating oral mouth rinses. Oxidizing agents include sodium perborate, sodium peroxide, and hydrogen peroxide.
We see it most often with antibiotics in the tetracycline family, including minocycline, the medication my patient was taking to cure an infection of her accident-related wounds sustained in a car accident. Other factors that may cause black hairy tongue include poor oral hygiene and smoking.
Pernicious Anemia Tongue Symptoms
Pernicious anemia causes the tongue’s surface to look smooth and appear red instead of the pinkish color of a normal tongue. The tongue might also appear thick or beefy in texture. Some tongues might even be swollen or seem to have cracks.
Swelling and soreness of your tongue or mouth
Sometimes, the inside or outside of your mouth indicates whether you have iron deficiency anemia. Signs include a swollen, inflamed, pale, or strangely smooth tongue ( 18 ).
Small bumps on the tongue are common. However, bumps that change size or feel irritated could signal a few different health conditions. Fungiform papillae are the small bumps located on the top and sides of your tongue.
Caviar tongue is considered as a physiological change associated with advancing age and is benign; therefore, no treatment is needed.