What Is Hairy Tongue?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
3. General Causes
It is not entirely clear why hairy tongue happens. We do know, however, that it is associated with certain activities, or lack thereof. For example, people that do not maintain high oral hygiene standards are more likely to develop it than other people are.
People that tend to eat soft foods may develop the condition as the filiform papillae are not made to fall away. Some medications can cause the condition, as can radiation therapy. Dehydration can also cause the condition, as can having a dry mouth. People that drink excess alcohol and/or smoke are also at greater risk, and people that use cocaine are also. Drinking lots of tea and coffee can also be a cause.
Advertisement
