Tongue pigmentation, or Pigmented Fungiform Papillae of the Tongue (PPT), results in black colour dots on your tongue. The marks range in different sizes, from smaller to larger. The condition is common in children but can also occur in adults. The most common cause of a black spot on side of tongue is its natural appearance. The colour smudges on the top layer. Since the taste buds are present all over the tongue, they absorb the natural as well as the artificial food colours. For instance, blueberries, red wine, and black coffee can cause black spots. This is harmless and will disappear after enhancing your dental hygiene practices.
Some other black spots on tongue causes are:
Chemical exposure can adversely impact the taste buds all over your tongue, leading to darkening. Some medicines have specific ingredients that influence the taste buds’ colour and result in black spot development. Bismuth is such a chemical ingredient that it can change tongue colour and contribute to black spot on side of tongue.
Any kind of injury or cut on the tongue from piercing or sharp objects can lead to dark spots. Chronic damage that doesn’t cure properly can contribute to black marks on your tongue. Oral piercings and accidental tongue-biting due to a cracked tooth will all contribute to black spots on tongue.
Excess consumption of any food can result in adverse health effects, including tongue health. Excessively consuming some foods and drinks or not taking proper care of dental hygiene can increase the appearance of black spots on the tongue. The spots can result from consuming too much caffeine-rich beverages like tea or coffee and alcoholic drinks such as wine, beer, champagne, whisky, vodka, etc. Also, poor dental hygiene, like improper teeth brushing and tongue cleaning, can cause papillae from pigmented edibles, leading to black spot formation.
Discolouration or hyperpigmentation occurs due to numerous reasons. Excessive pigmentation on the skin causes hyperpigmentation, resulting in freckles of different colours such as black, purple, brown, grey, or blue. This can depict underlying health concerns or adrenal or genetic disorders like Addison’s disease or Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome. Excess production of melanin often causes black marks. Chemotherapy leads to temporary tongue discolouration.
Tongue cancer symptoms can include black spots on tongue, appearing as constant sores or scrabs. They may cause swelling and lumps, possibly leading to swallowing issues. It is advisable to seek medical assistance as soon as you spot such symptoms and address the problem in the initial stages.
So, how can a black tongue be cured? You can embrace various approaches to cure black spot on side of tongue, some of which are discussed below:
Building and following a good dental care regime is crucial for getting rid of black marks on the tongue. It is advisable to brush your teeth and tongue twice daily with the help of a soft-bristled toothbrush. Remove the accumulation of dead cells and bacteria from your tongue’s surface with a scraper. This prevents hairy tongue conditions and enhances dental health.
Proper hydration throughout the day is important to prevent the buildup of toxins that cause discolouration. So, drink sufficient water throughout the day and keep yourself hydrated. This will help you flush out toxins from your body and maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria in your mouth, which further helps decrease the risk of oral thrush infections that contribute to black spots on tongue causes.
A saltwater mouthwash is a natural antibacterial remedy that minimises inflammation and prevents black spot-causing bacterial growth. To prepare the salt water rinse, boil a cup of water, add ½ teaspoon of salt to the lukewarm water, and mix well. Swish the concoction in your mouth for approximately 40 to 50 seconds. Then spit out the salted water. The saltwater wash will relieve you from tongue irritation and infection.
A well-balanced diet full of vitamins and minerals, especially iron and vitamin B12, can prevent deficiencies that cause tongue discolouration. Incorporate eatables such as green leafy vegetables, fruits, proteins, healthy fats like nuts and seeds, and other local, seasonal vegetables to promote good dental health.
Smoking and chewing gum or tobacco can lead to the formation of black spots on the tongue as well as other serious dental problems. Quitting such unhealthy habits can help you get rid of discoloration and irritation and developing conditions such as tongue cancer and black hairy tongue, which cause black spot on side of tongue.
It is necessary to regularly go for oral checkups to diagnose and prevent dental health problems. Your dentist will thoroughly examine and identify the problem as soon as possible, ensuring quick treatment and preventing further complications. A deep oral professional cleaning will minimise black spots on tongue causes. In this process, your dentist will conduct a thorough assessment and use X-rays to diagnose dental conditions. If any dental condition is detected, your dentist will improvise an effective treatment plan for you.
