What Does it Mean If Your Tongue Turns Black?

If your tongue changes from pink to black, it might be stained.

Imagine looking into the mirror and discovering that your tongue has turned black. While unsightly and frightening, a black tongue is usually temporary and the causes behind it are not a health risk.

Temporary Staining

Your tongue can turn black if you have eaten something that has stained it. Black licorice can stain your tongue, as can chewing tobacco. Products that contain bismuth can temporarily turn your tongue black, according to "Atlas of Adult Physical Diagnosis."

Other Causes

If you have a black tongue, then you could have a fungus called Aspergillus niger growing on the surface of your tongue. If you have too much bacteria growing in your mouth, it could cause your tongue to appear black and hairy, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Treatments

Temporary staining of your tongue will clear up once you stop using whatever product is causing the blackening of your tongue. Fungus or bacteria on your tongue that turn it black will also clear up with time if you practice improved oral hygiene.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Black Hairy Tongue
• "Atlas of Adult Physical Diagnosis"; Dale Berg, Katherine Worzala; 2006.