Preventing Black Tongue From Becoming a Big Problem
While there may be a medical condition known as black hairy tongue (lemensitis externa), which is simply caused by the overgrowth of yeast or bacteria on the tongue, almost all children with a black hairy tongue have an easier explanation. Bismuth compounds combine with sulfur, which may be present in trace quantities in normal saliva, creating bismuth sulfate. This substance then coats the outer layers of the tongue in a thick coating, reducing the amount of taste and odor and inhibiting the flow of saliva.
The causes of a black tongue may be numerous, and there are many theories on how they work together. In infants, the skin on the back of the tongue has not yet hardened, making it susceptible to fungal infections. If the baby is exposed to this environment for long enough, he will eventually contract the condition. Babies with black tongue also seem to be more sensitive to certain foods and drink, as well as their own saliva.
In adults, the coating on the tongue has not yet hardened, and thus is easily infected by bacteria. The most common cause is exposure to foods and drinks with high levels of sulfur content. These include garlic and onions, both of which are very good at producing sulfur-based enzymes that break down protein and sugar in the bloodstream. When these enzymes interact with the sulfur-producing bacteria that lives in the oral cavity, they cause inflammation and infection.
Yeast infection is another common cause, and the symptoms include soreness in the mouth or throat, thick white or yellow discharge, and itching, burning, or tingling sensations. Other possible causes include oral thrush, an infection of the inner lining of the mouth, and periodontal disease, which occur when the gums become thick and misshaped. Children with black tongue may have an allergy to something found in their regular oral hygiene or to another individual person's saliva, which could result in the formation of candida yeast.
As mentioned above, some of these conditions are treatable and preventable, but for those with no clear explanation, oral health is crucial. To help prevent the buildup of plaque, flaking, and other issues that cause the tongue to look bad, brushing and flossing are important, along with drinking plenty of water and avoiding spicy and acidic foods. (particularly dairy products).
Flaking can be removed by brushing away excess saliva and white flakes, while at the same time keeping your tongue moist so that food can slide out without sticking. through the flapping of tongue. You can even get rid of black spots if you use a tongue scraper, a toothbrush and tongue scrape. with a little care and patience, and if you're not too worried about leaving white streaks behind on your teeth, you can apply blackhead remover products. These may be bought at most drugstores and grocery stores or purchased online.
For more serious cases, your dentist may recommend a procedure known as tracheoplasty, where your tonsils are removed and the mouth is reshaped to enhance the appearance of the area around the tongue. This procedure has the benefit of making the white tongue look thicker and give the problem a less noticeable appearance.
Once treatment has been done to reduce inflammation, the tongue should be kept in the mouth where the condition can be dealt with on a routine basis, and it will not return. Although this might be the last resort, if you find that the problem is persistent, you may wish to see your dentist to have it done.
A diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables is important for the health of the tongue and its tissues
To cleanse the tongue regularly, eat plenty of water and drink more tea and coffee. Try to avoid foods that are high in sugar and fat content. such as red meat, canned goods, and ice cream. These can aggravate the thickening and whitening of the tongue, as well as foods high in carbohydrates.
When looking after your oral health, it is essential that you practice good oral hygiene. Brush and floss regularly, and also use a tongue scraper to remove tartar and white flakes from the tongue.
Having a healthy mouth will help to prevent problems in the future. It is not always easy, but you can do something to stop plaque buildup and keep black tongue at bay!