Symptoms and Causes
Hairy Tongue
Hairy tongue occurs when filiform papillae form on the tongue. These millimeter-long cone-shaped bacteria look like hair and are the result of bacteria growth in the mouth due to smoking or poor oral hygiene habits.
Black Tongue
Like hairy tongue, black tongue is caused by bacteria growth often due to poor oral hygiene, an all-liquid diet, low saliva production or side effects from medications. It can be treated with simply brushing the tongue (and your teeth). But ask a doctor if you suspect a medication you are taking (such as antibiotics) is the cause.
Kawasaki Disease
A bright red tongue, especially one that looks like a strawberry, could be the sign of Kawasaki disease, a rare illness that inflames blood vessels. It could also be a symptom of scarlet fever. If the tongue is red, smooth and causing you pain, it might be that you're not getting enough vitamin B3 (such as niacin).
Nerve Damage
If your tongue has a burning sensation but you haven't just eaten a spicy meal — and if the burning is prolonged — this could be a sign of nerve damage or disorder in the tongue. Other causes could be dry mouth, infections, acid reflux or diabetes.
Vitamin Deficiency
If the surface of your tongue is abnormally smooth, that could be a sign of certain vitamin deficiencies, including a lack of iron, folate or vitamin B12. If you wear dentures, they might be the culprit.
Bumps and Canker Sores
Almost everyone has had a canker sore at least once in their life. They're common and occur when the tongue gets irritated by braces, scratchy food or lack of brushing and flossing. Canker sores should clear up within a couple of days. If they don't, check with your doctor to make sure they're not cancerous.
