5Hairy Surface
A hairy tongue with brown or black fur might look concerning. However, it is often harmless. Bacterial overgrowth and accumulation of proteins are often the main causes. These substances might turn small and normal bumps on the tongue into long strands. Therefore, bacteria and food particles can get caught more easily. Some other common triggers include diabetes, chemotherapy treatments, taking antibiotics, or poor oral hygiene. In most cases, you can remove it by scraping or brushing the tongue. But when it is caused by HIV or Epstein-Barr, medical treatments are necessary. [5]
