Diet change can fix 'black hairy tongue' condition

Diet change can fix 'black hairy tongue' condition View 2 Images

A dentist has explained a worrying condition that makes your tongue go black. However, while it can look unpleasant, it can be rectified and is rarely a serious problem, she said.

Dr Deepa Chopra, from Whites Dental , has explained that the condition could often be linked to diet as well as oral hygiene.

“Black hairy tongue can look alarming, but it is usually harmless and temporary. It happens when the small projections on the tongue, called papillae, become longer and trap food particles and bacteria, which can cause dark staining,” said Dr Chopra.

She explained that one of the most common dietary factors behind the condition is a lack of fibre: “People who do not eat enough fibre often experience reduced saliva pro