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What Causes Dark Tongue Like Black?
Question: I woke up this morning and find my tongue is black. I have a hernia, I have a gastritis, and I have IBS. I didn't eat a black berries. What I need to do. I am taking a stomach medication many years for my acid every morning. I had gastroscopy and colonoscopy on July. Polyps was removed from stomach and intestine. I am also take every morning Probiotic and digestive pills. My gastroenterologist proscribed.
Thank you
XXXX
Thank you
XXXX
Brief Answer:
detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
Although it can look very bad ,a black tongue is usually a benign temporary condition .
It might be caused by a change in the normal bacteria in the mouth (overgrowth of bacteria of yeast).This is more common after using antibiotics.
Other possible causes include :
-Drinking too much coffee or tea
-Smoking
-Excessive use of mouthwashes containing peroxide, or astringent agents(witch XXXXXXX or menthol)
-Some medications that contain Bismuth
I would suggest to see if any of the medication that you use contains bismuth .
If you smoke ,it would be good to stop it.
Try to reduce the amount of coffee you drink or brush your tongue after drinking it.
Black tongue can be treated with good oral hygiene.
Gently brush your tongue twice a day and rinse your mouth with a diluted mouthwash.
You don't need to worry .It is not of concern and it will be better in few days.
Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubts to clarify.I would be happy to help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
Although it can look very bad ,a black tongue is usually a benign temporary condition .
It might be caused by a change in the normal bacteria in the mouth (overgrowth of bacteria of yeast).This is more common after using antibiotics.
Other possible causes include :
-Drinking too much coffee or tea
-Smoking
-Excessive use of mouthwashes containing peroxide, or astringent agents(witch XXXXXXX or menthol)
-Some medications that contain Bismuth
I would suggest to see if any of the medication that you use contains bismuth .
If you smoke ,it would be good to stop it.
Try to reduce the amount of coffee you drink or brush your tongue after drinking it.
Black tongue can be treated with good oral hygiene.
Gently brush your tongue twice a day and rinse your mouth with a diluted mouthwash.
You don't need to worry .It is not of concern and it will be better in few days.
Hope it helps.
Let me know if you have any other question or doubts to clarify.I would be happy to help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for answering me. I don't drink coffee, tea - decaf - once a day. I am not smoking, I don't take antibiotic now. I didn't start a new medication. May be yeast. Because I eat a cheese.. more amount then usually. And I have a history a yeast infection.
Brief Answer:
detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
In your case the most likely cause is an overgrowth of bacteria and fungus in the tongue.
Gentle brushing of the tongue with a soft toothbrush or a tongue scraper twice a day.
Eating rough foods, such as celery or carrots, might help.
Taking an Probiotic with Lactobacillus acidophilus or Yogurt can help to bring the balance in the normal flora of oral mucosa.
If this persist more then 1-2 weeks and doesn't seem to improve from the above measures ,you may need to consult a dentist.
Let me know if you need further help.
Take care.
Dr.Rovena
detailed below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
In your case the most likely cause is an overgrowth of bacteria and fungus in the tongue.
Gentle brushing of the tongue with a soft toothbrush or a tongue scraper twice a day.
Eating rough foods, such as celery or carrots, might help.
Taking an Probiotic with Lactobacillus acidophilus or Yogurt can help to bring the balance in the normal flora of oral mucosa.
If this persist more then 1-2 weeks and doesn't seem to improve from the above measures ,you may need to consult a dentist.
Let me know if you need further help.
Take care.
Dr.Rovena
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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