Although black hairy tongue might sound like the ultimate name for a heavy-metal band, it is about as far removed from music and lyrics as one could imagine. The less-than-subtle name stems from a condition in which the tongue turns black and takes on a somewhat furry appearance. The tongue might also appear to be brown, yellow, or a bit orange, however the disturbing fuzziness will almost always be a constant.

Despite how it looks, contracting black hairy tongue is not a cause for panic. For starters, it is a benign condition, and is not symptomatic of a serious or life-threatening disease. If one wakes up in the morning with black hairy tongue, he should not worry that he has been bitten by a vampire or adopted by a herd of zombies. This is a temporary condition caused by an overabundance of unwelcome oral bacteria. It usually disappears on its own, without any sort of medical treatment.

The symptoms of black hairy tongue, in addition to the fact that one’s tongue is black and hairy, can include an iron or metallic taste in the mouth. Furthermore, bad breath is common, as is a gagging sensation. What appears to be hair growth on the tongue is actually filiform papillae – those little bumps on the tongue that make it abrasive – which have elongated due to the bacterial presence. Despite all this, the only reason one might need to consult a physician is if the symptoms persist for over ten days.

Although bacteria are the culprits that cause black hairy tongue, the reasons that such bacteria develop are open for debate. Poor oral hygiene is likely, and the normal mouth bacteria may undergo a change if one has been taking antibiotics. Certain mouthwashes and acid relief products – particularly those containing peroxide or bismuth, respectively – might contribute to the problem. Heavy smoking almost certainly makes one more predisposed to contracting black hairy tongue, as do copious consumption of coffee or tea.

The solutions to curing black hairy tongue are of the simple and common sense variety. One should make sure to brush their teeth with fluoridated toothpaste after every meal. Flossing one’s teeth several day is both a preventative measure and a way to help black hairy tongue dissipate. This is especially true as one gets older, since the condition becomes more common with age. Last but certainly not least, one should follow the conventional wisdom of keeping up with regular dental appointments, following the dentist’s instructions, and taking part in regular cleanings.