How can I reduce my risk for black hairy tongue?

How can I reduce my risk for black hairy tongue?

Brushing your tongue with a toothbrush or using a tongue scraper can remove the papillae and the food debris that might be caught in them. You should also brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day and visit your dentist for routine exams and cleanings.

There are also some things you can do to reduce your risk for black hairy tongue. For example:

• Cut back on coffee, tea, tobacco or alcohol.
• Change your diet.
• Change your mouthwash — use one that doesn’t use peroxide or another oxidizing agent.
• If you or your healthcare provider suspects that a medication is causing black hairy tongue, talk to your healthcare provider about changing the medication.