We think our patient’s hairy tongue was caused by a prolonged period of limited oral intake, xerostomia related to the anticholinergic effects of quetiapine and a change in oral flora from various courses of antimicrobials. Black hairy tongue syndrome (BHT) [4] is a condition of the tongue in which the small bumps on the tongue elongate with black or brown discoloration, giving a black and hairy appearance. The appearance may be alarming, but it is a harmless condition. Predisposing factors include smoking, xerostomia (dry mouth), soft diet, poor oral hygiene and certain medications. Management is facilitated by improving oral hygiene, especially scraping or brushing the tongue . [5] Hairy tongue is a harmless but often misunderstood condition . Learn what it is, what causes it, and how to treat and prevent it. Hairy tongue is usually harmless and will go away with proper care. Find out what it is, how to get rid of it, and when you may need a healthcare provider.
