The hairy tongue (Lingua villosa) is characterised by an elongation of the filiform papillae that appears to be hairy and is commonly located on the dorsal surface of the tongue. The often brown or black colored appearance may be a result of substance abuse, smoking, poor oral hygiene or chromogenic microorganisms among the papillae. Besides the unaesthetic appearance, the hairy tongue can be accompanied by symptoms such as dysgeusia, nausea or halitosis. A treatment is not required but it is possible to improve the condition by avoiding the suspected causes or brushing the tongue with a soft toothbrush.
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