Hi Dear, Welcome to HCM. Understanding your concern. Thanks for your query. The symptoms you describe in query are pointing towards condition known as hairy tongue .It a common and harmless condition usually last for short period . Normally tongue shed its worn out connective tissue periodically ,but when this shedding become abnormal and keratin begins to accumulate it produce hairy tongue . In severe cases the hairs become elongated and make space for food particles and micro organisms this give different color to these hair . There are many causes due to which it occurs like poor oral hygiene(common) , extensive use of antibiotics ,radiation therapy ,drinking excess tea or coffee and chewing tobacco . I would suggest you to maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing ,flossing and scraping your tongue ,quit tobacco chewing habit(if you have ) or habit of excess tea or coffee . These simple methods are enough to treat the condition . If the condition still persist then you should consult dentist/oral pathologist for proper examination . Doctor may order biopsy or diagnose by simple physical examination and perform surgical treatment. Hope your concern has been resolved. Please write a review about your experience with me and do click at i find this answer helpful if its valuable for you. Get Well Soon. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari