Replied by KT from US on 08/10/2014

I had read somewhere that it could be from antibiotics.

Okay, I just got my hands on an old Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. I'm going to copy what it says about "Black, hairy tongue": "An overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth can cause discoloration of the tongue. Some types of bacteria and yeast produce red blood cell pigments that may give the tongue a black appearance. In addition, the papillae can grow profusely, causing the tongue to look as though hair covers it." (Copyright 2003)

Hope this helps...I had this some time ago and felt I looked like I was part Chow. I had been on antibiotics.

It is not serious. "You can remove the discoloration and hair-like growths by gently brushing your tongue with your toothbrush." You can pick up some Floss Picks, they are also tongue scrapers.

Replied by ROSINA from LONDON UK on 05/06/2025

Hi Pat, I dont have any info on your tongue, but yes I certainly have heard of black tongue because my Polish half brother David was complaining about he had a black tongue and was worried sick about it. He was a chronic alcholic at the time, I am going back quite some years. Now I dont know if he ever found a cure for his black tongue because I havent seen my 6 Polish half sisters or brother for many years due to they dont accept me as their sister, however, I did read somewhere about someone having a black tongue? The supposed cure was TO EAT PINEAPPLE, not sure if tinned or the normal pineapple, I think either would possibly do? All anyone can do if they have had no success is to try pineapple juice, tinned pineapple etc. I think maybe rubbing the slices of pineapple along the tongue? Or maybe google it, something could come up. I only added this as no one has mentioned pineapples and it might be a possible cure? Hope this helps someone. Rosina from London UK