Are You at Risk for Hairy Tongue?  | South Sioux City Family Dentist

ssouth_sioux_city_dentist
ssouth_sioux_city_dentist

You may not realize it, but you could be at risk of developing an unsightly medical condition known as hairy tongue. While it is harmless in most cases, hairy tongue is still an unpleasant ailment. The causes are not always completely known, but practicing good oral hygiene at home and visiting our dental office for cleanings can help prevent the issue. Here’s what you need to know. 

What is hairy tongue? 

With hairy tongue, your tongue may look like its covered in fuzz or hair, but this condition is actually caused by an accumulation of bacteria. The surface of your tongue is covered in small, rough papillae which gives it its rough texture. Overtime, these papillae grow, shed, and are replaced. Occasionally, the older papillae may fail to shed properly. This causes a buildup on the tongue and can cause a hair-like appearance. 

Who is at risk of hairy tongue? 

According to the American Academy of Oral Medicine, as much as 13% of the population may have hairy tongue. Anyone can develop the condition, but certain risk factors such as age and tobacco use increase your chances. 

What causes hairy tongue? 

While the exact causes of hairy tongue are not known, there are a variety of factors that can put you at a higher risk of developing the condition. Poor oral hygiene and a diet of soft foods can put you at an increased risk, as a lack of stimulation on the tongue can prevent the shedding of older papillae. Excessive consumption of certain substances, including tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and tea have been shown to contribute to this condition. Dehydration and dry mouth can slow down the tongue’s natural refresh cycle of replacing papillae. 

The best defense against hairy tongue is a regular at-home oral hygiene routine that includes twice daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. Visiting our practice at least twice a year for cleanings can also give us an opportunity to regularly examine your mouth and catch any early signs of hairy tongue.  

If you’re past due for your regular cleaning or are concerned that you might be developing hairy tongue, don’t hesitate to contact our practice for an appointment today.

Family 1st Dental of South Sioux City
Phone: (402) 494-2144
3220 Plaza Drive
South Sioux City, NE 68776

Return to Blog Articles

Visit Our South Sioux City Dental Office

Dentist South Sioux City

South Sioux City Location

3220 Plaza Drive,
South Sioux City, NE 68776

(402) 494-2144

Screen Shot 2019-07-23 at 11.11.46 AM

Our Dental News

Dentist South Sioux City

The Benefits of Adding Flossing to Your Routine | Family 1st Dental – South Sioux City

You’ve probably heard your dentist in South Sioux City repeatedly recommend, “You need to start flossing. Flossing daily is important.” While it might sound like a common piece of advice, flossing plays a crucial role in maintaining both your oral […]

Learn More

The Optimal Oral Health Routine | Dentist in South Sioux City

Maintaining good oral health is crucial to your overall well-being, and regular dental care plays a major role in achieving that. If it’s been more than six months since your last visit to a dentist in South Sioux City, it […]

Learn More

What is a Cosmetic Dentist? | Doug Barr DDS

When it comes to improving the appearance of your smile, many people turn to cosmetic dentistry. However, it’s important to understand that cosmetic dentistry isn’t officially recognized as a dental specialty. Instead, it’s a focus area within general dentistry. A […]

Learn More