Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Europerio 11, Vienna, Avusturya, 14 - 17 Mayıs 2025, ss.385, (Özet Bildiri)
Background: Hairy tongue is a benign, asymptomatic disorder characterised by the covering of the dorsal surface of the tongue with abnormal hair-like formations. This is caused by hypertrophy of the filiform papillae on the dorsum of the tongue which appears black, brown or yellow colour depending on the ethology. Known predisposing factors include smoking, poor oral hygiene, excessive coffee/black tea consumption, xerostomia, and medication use.
Description of the procedure: We aimed to present a case of black hairy tongue in a 40-year-old female patient who attended the our clinic for periodontal treatment and prosthetic rehabilitation. Clinical examination revealed poor oral hygiene, missing teeth, unappropriate dental fillings and prosthetic crowns, teeth with an inadequate crown length. The tongue exhibited a slight brown discolouration. The patient was heavy smoker and had halitosis associated with oral discomfort. The treatment was planned and an appointment was scheduled. However she presented to the clinic 2 months later. The patient was re-examined and the tongue exhibited hairy appearance characterised by elongation of the filiform papillae, appeared black, and could not be removed with gauze. The patient was advised to reduce or quit smoking. Oral hygiene instructions, including mouthwash and a tongue scraper was given to the patient and scaling and root planning was performed. Periodontal surgeries were performed and the follow-up visits were scheduled.
Outcomes: At the follow-up visit, the intraoral examination showed almost completely resolution of tongue discolouration and an improvement in halitosis.
Conclusions: Hairy tongue requires appropriate prevention, recognition and treatment. In the management of hairy tongue condition, maintenance of adequate oral hygiene, smoking cessation and removal of possible causative agents are crucial steps.