Buzz
Before her untimely death at 49, Julie Powell, the writer behind Julie and Julia, mentioned on Twitter that she had a condition called Black Hairy Tongue, which her doctor dismissed as insignificant. This led to widespread speculation that the condition might have played a role in her death. (Gizmodo provides further details here; Powell is said to have died from cardiac arrest.) But what exactly is Black Hairy Tongue?
Understanding the Appearance of Black Hairy Tongue
For those curious about how this condition looks, feel free to search for images; I won’t display one here (as it can be unsettling), but Mayo Clinic offers a visual example. Keep in mind that the discoloration on the tongue isn’t exclusively black—it can also appear brown, green, yellow, or other hues.
The tongue may also appear fuzzy. This occurs because the tiny projections on our tongue, known as papillae, aren’t shedding as they normally would, causing them to seem elongated.
What Causes Black Hairy Tongue?
Typically, the papillae on our tongue wear down at the same rate they grow. Similar to how our skin sheds dead cells, our tongue naturally sheds its cells through daily activities. For instance, we lose a few cells each time we eat.
However, with black hairy tongue, these cells aren’t being removed, potentially allowing bacteria or other microorganisms to grow on the tongue’s surface, altering its color.
Black hairy tongue is often a result of other health issues or personal habits rather than being a direct cause. For example, dry mouth caused by medications or consuming a liquid or soft diet can increase the likelihood of developing this condition. Tobacco, alcohol, and beverages like coffee or tea may also play a role, as noted by Mayo Clinic.
Steps to Take if You Develop Black Hairy Tongue
While black hairy tongue is typically harmless on its own, it can indicate an underlying issue. Gastroenterologists Grigoriy Gurvits and Amy Tan state in the World Journal of Gastroenterology that “the outlook is very positive with proper treatment of the root cause.”
This means you should consult a healthcare professional if you notice a sudden onset of black hairy tongue without a clear reason. Although the fuzzy appearance of the tongue isn’t harmful, it’s important to rule out any serious underlying conditions. In the meantime, brushing or scraping your tongue can help improve its appearance.
