
Black Hairy tongue
Actually, the natural color of the filiform papillae is white. The brown or black coloration is caused by staining by food and bacterial action. This condition is caused by an overgrowth of the filiform papillae, which normally break off after they reach a fairly short, critical length. This condition is most common in febrile illnesses of any sort. It is easily treated by strenuous brushing of the tongue with a firm toothbrush, or the use of a tongue scraper. See my page on Halitosis for detailed instructions on treating this condition.