Sometimes, when you notice black spots on the tongue, it may disappear within a few hours. That is because most people get black spots on the tongue due to stains on the taste buds. The consumption of foods like black tea, coffee, red wine, blackberries, etc.… will cause stains on the taste buds. Black dots on the tongue vary from tiny spots to conspicuous black areas, and these are usually harmless. Leaving this harmless Condition could cause you severe problems as these black spots indicate something serious. Read this blog post to know the causes of black spots, how to get rid of black spots naturally and when to visit the dentist.
What are Black Spots On Tongue Means?
Black spots on the tongue mean the appearance of the tongue, ranging from tiny black spots to conspicuous black areas on the tongue. In most cases these black spots on the tongue can be harmless and temporary. But in some cases, it indicates more severe conditions when it lasts longer than one or two days.
Some People have black spots on their tongues since birth. People see it as a birthmark and, in scientific terms, called Pigmented nevus. It is most common in people with darker skin tones.
Causes of Black Spots on Tongue
The most common cause of black spots on the tongue is the natural appearance of the tongue. As you can see, color stains on the top layer of the tongue. Because the taste buds are present in the tongue, and they observe the natural and artificial colors that are present in the foods and drinks we consume. For example, foods like blueberries, black coffee, and red wine could cause black stains on the tongue. This Condition is harmless and will go away after improving oral hygiene practices.
Apart from this, there are some other common causes of black spots on the tongue for which you need to consult with a dentist or doctor. They are,
Hyperpigmentation
Pigmentation is what gives the skin, nails, and eyes their color. Likewise, the excess pigment in the tongue could cause black spots, which are called hyperpigmentation on the tongue. In most cases, after the start of chemotherapy treatment, you may get hyperpigmentation on the tongue, oral mucosa, skin or nails. Also, intake of chemotherapy drugs like Fluorouracil, vinorelbine and daunorubicin could cause hyperpigmentation or black spots on the tongue.
Oral Piercings and Tongue Injuries
Tongue injuries will cause severe suffering. These tongue injuries are identified by the symptoms, which are black spots on the tongue. Also, wearing oral piercings could cause black spots on the tongue. Accidental biting of the tongue, cuts in the tongue and damage caused to the tongue by the cracked tooth will all cause black spots on the tongue.
Exposure to chemicals
The tongue contains acids which react with certain chemicals like bismuth (post-transition metal), which is used as an ingredient in certain medications. This reaction will cause color changes in the tongue. In this case, the tongue regains its original color after some time.
Tongue Cancer
Black spots on the tongue are considered a severe condition when you have black spots along with symptoms like lumps, swelling, or sores that don’t heal. These all indicate that there is a possibility that it is tongue cancer. Tongue cancer is a serious condition and should be treated at the initial stages.
Black Hairy Tongue
Black hairy tongue is caused by the dead cells staying on the layer of the tongue and do not shed properly. The other cause of hairy tongue is improper oral hygiene, smoking and over use of tobacco.
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS)
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a genetic disorder which could cause dark spots on the lips, inside the mouth or tongue. Which sometimes looks like a black spot.
How are Dark Spots on the Tongue Treated?
In most cases, dark spots on the tongue disappear after maintaining good oral hygiene. If you have had dark spots on the tongue for more than 2 to 3 days, it requires medical attention. You need to consult with a dentist or skin specialist. The diagnosing process will be a physical check, and if it requires further test results, the doctors take samples and check for bacterial and fungal organisms presence.
During the checkup, you need to be open and speak genuinely to the healthcare providers to identify the root cause of black spots. Be open to talking about things like regular smoking and the use of tobacco. Overall, after the diagnosis, Based on the cause of the black spots and symptoms along with the black spots, the treatments are suggested by the healthcare provider.
Takeaway
Mostly black spots on the tongue can disappear after maintaining good oral hygiene. Black spots on the tongue can indicate a severe condition if it lasts longer than two or three days. Then, in such situations, you need to consult with a dentist to identify the cause of it and what it is indicating and get a tailored treatment.
