Dark coating on the tongue in adults, including black, brown and gray: causes and treatment

The appearance of plaque on the tongue is not uncommon for anyone. People may often notice whitish deposits, which are normal in most cases and can be easily removed with special brushes. However, in rare cases, patients experience severe changes in the color of the tongue. When faced with dark plaque for the first time, people do not understand which doctor to contact and what diseases this unusual symptom may indicate.

5 How to remove dark plaque on the tongue?
6 Treatment prognosis and possible complications
7 Prevention

What does a black coating on the tongue mean?

Language is a unique indicator of human health. By its appearance, since ancient times, doctors could make a diagnosis and it was believed that the patient had recovered if the surface of this organ returned to a light pink hue. There are various external factors that influence the type of plaque. Sometimes it can even change with the change of season. During a meal, pieces of food are retained between the taste buds and bacteria begin to multiply intensively in these areas, staining the surface of the tongue with the products of their vital activity. Sometimes a dark coating can appear in smokers, coffee drinkers, and red wine drinkers. It can be easily removed using a special scraper or by rinsing the mouth and it will not be a symptom of any disease.

If, when brushing your teeth in the mirror, you suddenly discover that instead of a pinkish surface, a dark coating is visible on the tongue, then in most cases this indicates serious disorders in the body. The more difficult it is to remove and the denser it is in consistency, the more severe and advanced the primary disease.

Dark plaque may appear due to illness or consumption of coloring products.

What it is

A black coating on the tongue usually appears with severe damage to the digestive tract.
Moreover, the more complex the patient’s condition, the darker and denser the plaque. It most often forms on the surface of the tongue, but can also cover the teeth and the inner surface of the cheeks in a thick layer. The black and green coating can scare anyone. But before you panic, you should carefully analyze what you ate in the last 24 hours. After all, there is a whole list of foods, the consumption of which stains the tongue, lips and teeth black or dark. These products include, first of all, blueberries. Consuming activated charcoal can also temporarily turn your tongue black.

A black coating on the tongue of an adult can also appear in the presence of a disease such as acidosis. Acidosis disrupts the acid-base balance in the body. Those who eat little fresh vegetables and fruits, while leaning on flour and sweets, are susceptible to this disease. If the doctor confirms that the black plaque on the tongue and teeth is due to acidosis, it is necessary to cleanse the body of toxins.

Previously, it was believed that a black coating on the tongue indicates such a terrible disease as cholera.

Modern doctors do not support this statement, but are still inclined to believe that a black coating on the tongue appears most often with acidosis.

Types and colors - brown, gray, black, etc.

While for an ordinary person the details may not be important, the doctor very carefully studies the smallest details in the appearance of the tongue. There are many different shades of dark plaque:

black can be a symptom of kidney pathology, nephritis;
light brown indicates diseases of the skeletal and respiratory systems;
yellow-brown is often observed with alcoholism, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and excessive use of drugs;
dark brown occurs with dehydration, acute abdomen and serious disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
gray and dark gray can indicate chronic stomach diseases and constipation, candidiasis;
purple indicates stagnation in the circulatory system;
gray-green or brown-green occurs with cholecystitis and nephritis, oral candidiasis;
gray-blue is found in Crohn's disease and cholera.

It is also important to evaluate its consistency. It can be dry or moist, fatty and cheesy. All these nuances indicate exactly how the disease progresses. It is necessary to see whether it is easily removed and whether there is any pain during this procedure.

The location of plaque on the surface of the tongue is studied separately:

plaque on the tip of the tongue indicates diseases of the cardiovascular system;
along the edges - about lung diseases;
at the base of the tongue - about pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract;
on the sides at the base - about liver and spleen disease.

Video about diseases that the tongue can talk about

Inflammatory pathologies of the oral cavity

Pharyngitis or chronic tonsillitis

in the acute stage, they can also lead to the appearance of a black “sediment” on the tongue. Its distinctive feature is its presence after waking up and its almost complete disappearance after eating or hygienic cleaning.

Sometimes a black coating appears on the tonsils and tongue in combination with an increase in body temperature. Such symptoms are characteristic of tonsillitis (acute tonsillitis). Sore throat does not occur without a sore throat, so making a diagnosis in such a situation is quite simple. When the disease passes, the unpleasant manifestations of the tongue will also disappear.

Sometimes black spots form after suffering from the flu - this is how glossitis, or inflammation of the tongue, occurs.

Oddly enough, sometimes a black tongue means the development of oral candidiasis, or thrush

. Typically, this pathology manifests itself as white cheesy masses localized in the mouth, but advanced stages cause darkening of the plaque. The disease is accompanied by bad breath, burning, tingling, and tissue swelling.

Causes and factors of appearance

Sometimes a dark coating on the tongue may appear due to the use of certain foods or medications. Also, this symptom may be a consequence of special conditions of the body or external influences.

Taking some medications can cause a light brown coating on the tongue. It appears due to the abuse of drugs such as Malavit, Faringosept, and steroid drugs.
The use of drugs containing bismuth, which are used for gastritis and heartburn (Vicalin, De-nol, Ulcavis).
Lack of vitamin PP or nicotinic acid in the body.
A lack of B vitamins, in addition to dark plaque, can also lead to the appearance of teeth marks on the tongue.
In smokers, smoke, phenols and nicotinic acid can constantly stain not only the tongue, but also the teeth in brownish shades.
Excessive consumption of fatty meat, sweets, chocolate, and sweet baked goods leads to an imbalance in the acid-base balance, the body gradually becomes acidic, and patients develop acidosis. Also, such a diet contributes to a lack of vitamins, which are abundant in fruits and vegetables.
The body's contamination with various toxins can also cause the appearance of plaque on the tongue.
Lead poisoning often appears as small black spots all over the tongue. In this case, the edges of the gums become grayish, and a metallic taste is felt in the oral cavity. This condition also has a synonym - Remak syndrome.
Dehydration can also cause brown plaque to appear. This is especially common with long-term toxicosis in pregnant women.
Alcohol abuse and chronic alcoholism have a detrimental effect on the condition of the entire body. The liver, kidneys, cardiovascular system and organs of the gastrointestinal tract are affected. There is also constant dehydration of the body and disruption of the microflora, which leads to the appearance of a dark coating on the tongue.

Lead poisoning may occur due to consumption of vegetables treated with pesticides containing heavy metals.

In most cases, a dark coating on the tongue of patients indicates various serious diseases. Sometimes these can be diseases of the oral cavity.

Oral candidiasis develops due to fungi of the same name. At the first stage of the disease, the tongue is covered with a dense white coating, but later it gradually darkens and acquires a gray or light brown tint. Often, when cleansing, ulcers remain on the mucous membrane, which are very itchy and sometimes even bleed.
Advanced stomatitis is a serious threat even to human life, since the infection can affect internal organs, such as the lungs. In addition to plaque on the tongue, patients also develop painful ulcers.
Chromogenic fungus in the mouth contributes to the formation of plaque not only on the tongue, but throughout the entire oral cavity. The teeth, gums and cheeks are covered with dark green spots.
Disturbance of the microflora of the oral cavity due to various diseases and the use of antibiotics. These drugs destroy not only pathogenic microorganisms, but also those necessary for normal life.

Chromogenic fungus leads to plaque not only on the tongue, but also on the gums and teeth

Most often, patients are diagnosed with all sorts of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which lead to a dark coating on the tongue.

Severe or corrosive gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa due to the ingress of various acidic or alkaline solutions and radioactive substances.
Fibrinous gastritis develops due to various purulent processes in the stomach. This disease is quite rare and usually appears during infectious infection with the measles virus, scarlet fever, or typhoid fever.
Peptic ulcers are most often found in men between the ages of 20 and 50. Alcoholism may be a provoking factor. The disease is accompanied by a sour taste, severe stomach pain, nausea and vomiting.
Stones and inflammatory processes in the ducts of the salivary glands can also lead to the appearance of dark plaque. At the same time, the surface of the tongue is very dry, it may even crack.
Enterocolitis or inflammation of the small and large intestines can also cause a brown coating on the tongue.
Crohn's disease is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic constipation and an increase in melanin in the body. Patients experience adrenal dysfunction and the appearance of blue-black spots throughout the body. The course of the disease is chronic; patients constantly experience inflammation of various parts of the digestive tract. Another name for Crohn's disease is granulomatous enteritis.
Dysbacteriosis or a violation of the microflora composition greatly affects digestion and absorption of nutrients in the intestines. This can happen due to various factors: bad habits, taking antibiotics, stress and even poor ecology. Due to the increased proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity, a dark coating may appear on the tongue.
Diseases of the pancreas can also cause the appearance of a dark brown coating on the surface of the tongue. Very often, pain in the hypochondrium, bitter taste, dehydration, nausea and vomiting are also present.
Liver pathology is accompanied by bitterness in the mouth and the appearance of a brownish-yellowish coating on the tongue. Patients are concerned about pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea, weight loss. Sometimes jaundice appears, in which the skin and mucous membranes acquire a yellow tint.
Cholecystitis is an inflammatory process in the gallbladder. This can happen due to infection with intestinal microflora due to a violation of the outflow of bile. Patients develop fever, severe pain, nausea, and vomiting. Most often, this disease is registered in women due to various processes during pregnancy and hormonal levels. Due to stagnation of bile, a yellowish and brown coating may appear on the tongue.
Chronic constipation without an inflammatory process can also cause the appearance of a gray coating on the tongue.

Disturbances in the composition of microflora negatively affect the condition of the whole organism

But it is not always diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that lead to the appearance of a dark coating on the tongue. Sometimes the cause may be various infectious diseases, as well as pathologies of other internal organs.

Respiratory diseases can also cause brown plaque. Patients are found to have pneumonia, bronchitis, and tracheitis.
Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints. It develops due to the action of infections, injuries, as well as allergic, dystrophic and reactive processes in the body. Despite the fact that the main symptoms are associated specifically with pain in the skeletal system, some patients experience a dark coating on the tongue.
Autoimmune blood diseases that are inherited. These include hemolytic anemia and erythropoietic uroporphyria. In these diseases, patients experience constant destruction of red blood cells, called hemolysis.
ARVI manifests itself differently in patients. Some may experience a slight fever, while others may have more severe symptoms and may also develop a dark coating on the tongue.
HIV infection leads to a decrease in the body's resistance to all kinds of pathogens due to disorders in the immune system. All this contributes to the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity, which can color the tongue in various colors, including gray, brown and black.
Sore throat is an acute infectious disease that affects the palate and tonsils. Patients complain of very severe pain; it becomes almost impossible to swallow food. The proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity contributes to the formation of various coatings on the tongue, including dark ones.
Lymphostasis is a disease in which the functioning of the lymphatic system is disrupted. Patients exhibit swelling, severe thickening of the limbs, and a beige coating on the surface of the tongue.
Nephritis is an inflammatory disease of the kidneys, which very often leads to disruption of the structure of these organs. In patients, the excretory function is weakened, severe pain appears in the lumbar region, the amount of urine decreases, appetite decreases, nausea and vomiting appear. This disease is very serious and if not treated promptly, a kidney transplant may be required.
Diabetic coma occurs in patients with diabetes due to a lack of insulin in the body. In this condition, the tongue is dry, cracked, and covered with a brownish-brown coating.
Addison's disease or hypocortisolism is a chronic insufficiency of the adrenal cortex, which loses the ability to produce the required amount of cortisol.
Cholera is a very dangerous intestinal infectious disease that occurs due to infection with Vibrio cholerae. Patients suffer from constant bouts of vomiting, dehydration and very high fever.

Causes

Most doctors believe that the main reasons for the formation of black plaque on the tongue are:

pH imbalance is observed in people who do not eat vegetables and fruits, but prefer sweets and flour products.
intoxication is when harmful products that disrupt the metabolism and breakdown of substances begin to accumulate in the blood, thereby poisoning the body. In addition to plaque, the patient’s mouth smells bad, a rash appears on the skin, and they are also irritable and apathetic.
Gastrointestinal disorders - a person complains of problems with digesting food and the appearance of bitterness in the mouth.
Acute infectious diseases accompanied by elevated body temperature from several days to a month.
Use of antibiotics - in a patient with a weakened immune system, taking antimicrobial drugs is associated with the risk of multiplying a fungal infection.
Chromogenic fungus - when it is activated, the entire oral cavity suffers, including the gums and teeth.
Advanced thrush - only in females.
Alcohol abuse and drug use - plaque is caused by severe damage to the liver and all internal organs. Chronic alcoholics/drug addicts suffer from this.
Diets compiled by a non-professional, with the wrong selection of products.
Crohn's disease is characterized by inflammation of the wall of the large/small intestine and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Damage to the adrenal glands also occurs, as a result of which the exchange of proteinogenic (tyrosinogenic) pigments is disrupted.

Why does white plaque appear after tooth extraction?

In children under one year old, the main reason for the appearance of blackness on the tongue is the inclusion of new, more concentrated and high-calorie foods in the diet.

If a child has a dark spot in his mouth, this is the first sign that his body cannot cope with the digestion and absorption of food, therefore, he needs to take medications containing lactic acid bacteria. In older children, the appearance of a black coating on the surface of the tongue is associated with digestion and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Diagnosis and differential diagnosis

To find out exactly what disease led to the appearance of a dark coating on the tongue, you need to consult a doctor. First of all, it is better to visit a therapist who will conduct an examination and collect the patient’s medical history. The patient's abdomen is palpated, the function of the lungs and heart is listened to, and bad habits, diseases, and injuries are also found out. Based on these data, the therapist will give a referral to a specific specialist.

The patient may be prescribed the following examinations:

general blood analysis;
blood chemistry;
urine and stool analysis;
fluorography;
Ultrasound of internal organs;
gastroscopy, etc.

Most often, the patient has to visit a gastroenterologist who specializes in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. A referral to an infectious disease specialist and endocrinologist may also be issued.

Gastroscopy allows you to examine the mucous membrane of the esophagus and stomach using a special endoscope

Treatment

It is not always possible to determine the cause of black plaque on your own. People often make mistakes and start treating non-existent diseases. They don’t even think about the fact that they are causing great harm to their body and what consequences await them in the future.

In order to accurately cure the disease, it is very important, without delaying time, to seek help from a dentist-therapist. After the examination, if necessary, the doctor will refer you for a consultation with a specialist, for example, an infectious disease specialist or a toxicologist.

Treatment of dark plaque in the oral cavity is complex. The main goal of treatment is to eliminate the source that provoked the disease.

Let's find out how to remove white plaque on the root of the tongue

Thus, depending on the reasons for the appearance of a black tongue, treatment will consist of:

therapeutic nutrition - if the cause of the appearance was a disease of the gastrointestinal tract;
taking medications - taken to eliminate pathogenic or pathogenic microorganisms that accompany inflammation;
physiotherapy;
traditional medicine - as part of a complex conservative (non-surgical) treatment;
operations - if the patient has a serious condition, and other methods have not brought any results.

In addition, there are a large number of ways that can help get rid of blackness and return the tongue to its natural color. Here are the most basic ones:

Soft toothbrush - move with light and smooth movements from the root of the tongue to its tip.
A teaspoon - to achieve the best effect, wrap it in gauze.
Scraper brush - it will not cause harm to the mucous membrane, since plastic is used in its manufacturing process.
Wiping the surface of the tongue with salicylic alcohol or a 10% solution of resocin (5% is also possible) - be sure to read the instructions before use.

How to quickly get rid of plaque on teeth from smoking

However, if the plaque does not disappear using such methods, or pain is felt during cleaning, then it is necessary to consult a doctor.

As for blackness on the tongue in children, consultation with a pediatrician is necessary. First of all, this applies to children under one year old, as their tongue may turn black after eating new food. In this case, only a pediatrician can determine what medications need to be taken so that the child’s stomach can adapt painlessly.

But the methods for eliminating black tongue in older children are very similar to the methods of treatment for adults, although the doses of the drugs are reduced, and the side effects when using them become much greater.

Parents should pay special attention to what they feed their children. Food should be made only from natural products and prepared only from fresh vegetables. To strengthen the immune system, an excellent option would be vitamin and mineral complexes, which will be recommended by the pediatrician.

How to remove dark plaque on the tongue?

Patients are advised to perform oral hygiene procedures daily. It is necessary to brush your teeth and the surface of your tongue at least twice a day. It is best to use a special plastic scraper for this, which will not injure the delicate surface of the tongue. You can use special gels, which are applied to the darkened mucous membrane for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly and spit out the used product. You should also use dental floss at least once a week to remove food particles from hard-to-reach places. In case of acidosis, patients are prescribed to drink plenty of fluids and take soda solutions orally.

Video on how to properly clean your tongue

It is impossible to get rid of dark plaque on the tongue without treating the underlying disease. Based on the established diagnosis, the doctor prescribes treatment for each patient individually.

Drug therapy

For stomatitis, it is necessary to rinse every two hours with local antiseptics (Hepilor, Chlorophyllipt, Tantum Verde).
Antifungal agents are prescribed for candidiasis (Clotrimazole, Fluconazole, Pimafucin).
Probiotics containing live bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are necessary to restore intestinal microflora (Linox, Acipol, Bifidumbacterin).
Prebiotics stimulate the body to produce its own bacteria by containing a nutrient medium for them (Duphalac, Normaze, Lactusan).
Drugs to strengthen the immune system are necessary to increase the body's resistance to harmful substances (Cycloferon, Ribomunil, Kagocel).
Local disinfectants are necessary for sanitation of the oral cavity. You can use Chlorhexidine, Rezocin solution, Salicylic alcohol.
Drugs that stimulate the secretion of gastric juice are necessary for gastritis with low acidity (Limontar, Prozerin, Etimizol).
Antibacterial agents are needed for the treatment of aggressive types of gastritis (Cephalexin, Enterofuril, Furazolidone).
Sorbents are used to eliminate toxic substances from the body (activated carbon, Enterosgel).
Antacids are necessary for gastritis with high acidity and heartburn (Rennie, Phosphalugel, Maalox).
Preparations to enhance the protection of the gastric mucosa (De-Nol, Biogastron, Venter).
Vitamins B and PP must be used if they are deficient in the body.

Diet

Sometimes, to get rid of dark plaque on the tongue, it is enough to follow a special diet for a long time, aimed at normalizing the acid-base balance and metabolism. To alkalize the body, you should consume more of the following foods:

greenery;
citruses;
avocado;
cabbage;
tomatoes;
potato;
radish;
turnip;
garlic;
dried fruits.

For the body to function properly, it is necessary to consume more “alkaline” foods.

If there is a lack of nicotinic acid, patients are advised to increase their consumption of meat, liver, egg yolks, milk, legumes, buckwheat, and peanuts. An adult needs to consume about 15 mg of vitamin PP per day.

Also, for the health of the body, it is worth reducing the consumption of the following foods:

sweets;
carbonated drinks;
fast food;
smoked meats;
fatty, salty, canned foods;
alcohol;
coffee.

Video about alkaline nutrition

Folk remedies

If dark plaque was discovered for the first time, you can try to get rid of it yourself within two days. For this purpose, rinsing with a decoction of chamomile, sage, and oak bark is suitable. If there are no changes and the tongue has a dark tint, you should consult a doctor. In some situations, after consultation with a specialist, you can use various folk recipes.

Anti-inflammatory infusion

Take yarrow, oregano, plantain and linden flowers in equal proportions. Grind all the ingredients thoroughly, take one teaspoon of the resulting mixture and pour a glass of boiling water over it. Cover the cup tightly and leave to steep for three hours. Drink 100 ml of the product every day twice a day before meals. The course of administration is two weeks; before re-use, you should take a break for ten days.

Herbal infusions help relieve inflammation and improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract

Flax seed decoction

Flax seeds are recommended for constipation and inflammation of the gastric mucosa. During cooking, this plant releases a large amount of mucus, which has enveloping properties. The seeds also contain a large amount of minerals and trace elements: potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, OMEGA 3 and 6 fatty acids, vitamins A, D, E, K, C, PP, B. To prepare the decoction, you need to take 8 teaspoons of seeds flax and pour a liter of water over them, bring to a boil and cook for about ten minutes over low heat. Cool the product, strain and drink a glass in the morning on an empty stomach.

Video about preparing a decoction of flax seeds

Prevention

In order to no longer have problems with coating on the tongue (especially black ones), you need to:

Actively participate in labor and social forms of life, i.e. lead a healthy lifestyle.
Drink water - at least two liters a day.
Do not consume foods or drinks containing dye.
Eat right - eat vegetables and fruits as often as possible.
Systematically carry out fortification.
Pay as much attention to rest as possible.
Follow the rules of hygiene - daily brush the surface of the tongue and teeth with antibacterial paste, using a toothbrush with soft bristles. After cleaning, rinse your mouth with a special rinse containing herbal ingredients.
Do not exceed the course of antimicrobial prescribed by the attending physician.
Visit the dentist's for preventive purposes at least once every six months. If you suspect a pathological process in your mouth, go immediately to a specialist.
Rinse your mouth with decoctions of medicinal herbs.
Do not abuse sugary energy drinks and cigarettes.
Avoid alcohol.
Replace black tea with herbal tea.

Only a doctor can answer the question of why the tongue turned black. So if a color change occurs without objective reasons (for example, consuming products containing natural, natural, synthetic or artificial dyes), then you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. He will select the appropriate treatment. You should not postpone the visit until later, as this can lead to serious complications.

If you do not follow the recommendations prescribed by a specialist for the treatment of the disease that provoked the appearance of a dark spot, the disease may become chronic, which means that the patient’s recovery process will be delayed.

At the first symptoms of dark plaque on the tongue, all hygiene procedures should be carefully carried out, carefully cleaning the surface of the tongue with a soft-bristled toothbrush and antibacterial paste for 3 minutes twice a day. Oral hygiene involves not only home procedures, but also qualified medical care, for example, ultrasonic teeth cleaning.

Treatment prognosis and possible complications

The prognosis of treatment will depend on what initial disease was detected in the patient. In case of dental problems, a few visits to the dentist are enough to get rid of most of the problems that arise. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can lead to bleeding, which requires urgent hospitalization and surgical treatment. The success of treating infectious diseases strongly depends on the patient’s immunity and the timeliness of starting the use of prescribed medications.

Other causes of black plaque

The appearance of this symptom cannot be ignored - it often means big health problems. For example, the body may suffer from acidosis - a buildup of toxins and a shift in the acid-base balance towards oxidation. This condition can be caused by long-term infections, intestinal disorders, and starvation diets.

Other possible causes of the pathology are as follows:

Lead poisoning
. Acute lead intoxication almost always manifests itself as changes in the oral cavity.
Inflammatory and chronic diseases of the lungs and bronchi
. Some bacteria cause the tongue to turn a frightening shade; after recovery, the color returns to normal.
Taking certain hormonal medications
. Canceling medications helps the unpleasant color of the mucous membrane disappear.
HIV and other severe types of immunodeficiency
. With such pathologies, there is sometimes a black-gray plaque in the mouth.
Dehydration
. With an acute form of lack of fluid in the body, the tongue may change color to dark.

Infants sometimes develop a dark coating after the introduction of the first complementary foods, if until that moment the baby was fed only breast milk - as a reaction to a new product. There is also a separate pathology - “black hairy tongue”, in which papillary outgrowths grow on the organ, become dark and hard. The exact reasons are not clear, but the disease most often appears in smokers.