2006-09-15 07:09:27 · 18 answers · asked by marilyn t 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
put your tongue in a pot filled with black ink...
just kidding
Black tongue refers to a number of conditions of humans and animals that cause the tongue to go dark.
Black hairy tongue in humans is a harmless condition caused by a fungus which grows on the top surface of the tongue. It is associated with the elderly, as well as with antibiotic use. It is more commonly seen in smokers. The tongue and teeth can also turn black after the use of Pepto Bismol tablets, but this is because of the reaction between the intestinal secretions and the bismuth found in the drug rather than the fungus which causes BHT.
Blacktongue is a condition seen in dogs, caused by a deficiency of niacin, associated with ulcers and inflammation of the dog's oral cavity.
2006-09-15 07:16:48 · answer #1 · answered by Edgarator 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Black hairy tongue in humans is a harmless condition caused by a fungus which grows on the top surface of the tongue. It is associated with the elderly, as well as with antibiotic use. It is more commonly seen in smokers. The tongue and teeth can also turn black after the use of Pepto Bismol tablets, but this is because of the reaction between the intestinal secretions and the bismuth found in the drug rather than the fungus which causes BHT.
You should see a doctor, though, just to rule out niacin deficiency, or pellagra, which is a serious vitamin deficiency disease and causes diarrhea, weakness, mental confusion and anemia. If left untreated the disease can kill within 4 or 5 years.
2006-09-15 07:16:07 · answer #2 · answered by Melinda C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pepto Bismol
2006-09-15 07:18:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you take Pepto-Bismol, the side effects are a black tongue and black stool. It says so on the package.
2006-09-15 07:11:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Are you taking any medications? Could be a side-effect or a reaction. You haven't been licking any pavement right? Just teasing. You have a professional and thorough answer above. Hope you are doing OK.
2006-09-15 07:19:12 · answer #5 · answered by smecky809042003 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Plague
2006-09-15 07:10:41 · answer #6 · answered by lawzlaw 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look, Im not sure but you seriously need to go to the doctor because that sounds really serious.
2006-09-15 07:24:51 · answer #7 · answered by Snuz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
certain medications,over-use of mouthwashes containing drying alcohol.actually,not all that serious,and more common than u think.consult otolaryngologist or dentist,they can cure it.source-former nurse.ps-if ur referring to a chow dog,thats normal !!!!!
2006-09-15 07:19:16 · answer #8 · answered by Lyn K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eating black licorice or asphalt.
2006-09-15 07:16:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drinking too much of a dark colored beverage.
2006-09-15 07:18:07 · answer #10 · answered by jaike 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋