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Overview
Bismuth (Pepto-Bismol) can darken the tongue.
Brushing helps.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayNot usually urgent.
See a doctor soonNot improving.
Causes
Causes include smoking, antibiotics, and dry mouth.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause black, brown, or furry-looking tongue. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Black hairy tongueOften treated at home
A dark, furry-looking coating on the tongue from overgrown tiny bumps.
What you can do at home
- Brush tongue.
Medicines
None needed.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Habits
The exam
A mouth exam.
Tests
- None
Prevention
Good oral care.
- Brush tongue
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.