Overview
- The condition stems from elongated tongue papillae that trap debris and bacteria, leading to dark discolouration.
- Dr Deepa Chopra of Whites Dental highlights low dietary fibre as a frequent factor because reduced fibre can lower saliva flow.
- Saliva helps clear food particles, neutralise acids, and supply minerals, so reduced flow allows bacterial buildup.
- Heavy coffee or tea intake, smoking, poor oral hygiene, and some medications such as antibiotics can worsen staining by drying the mouth.
- Gentle tongue brushing or scraping, better hydration, and more fibre typically reverse the issue, with dental or medical review advised if it persists.