Today's ideas about the pathogenesis (formation mechanism) of the black tongue boil down to the fact that the growths of the papillae of the lining of the tongue occur under the influence of chronic irritants and reflex changes in the digestive tract.
Staining of the affected areas of the mucous membrane of the tongue is the result of the life of saprophytic microorganisms.
In which cases the language blackens, it is not always possible to understand. There may be many causes for this symptom, but not all causes should cause parental concern. The first thing that can be ruled out is a drink with coloring elements, as well as food. The child could well have eaten anything while you were busy. However, practice has shown that fruit and berry compotes are often the cause. This is not necessarily currants, blueberries, blackberries. Even red fruits can produce black deposits in the tongue. In this case, systematic cleansing of the tongue is enough to return the tongue to its previous color.
What are the symptoms?
If the child has a black tongue, then there is a darkening of the back of the tongue, near the root. Moreover, the edges, as well as the lower surface of the tongue, traditionally remain unchanged, clearly scarlet. Due to the overgrowth of the papillae of the mucosa, the surface of the tongue usually seems fleecy.
The shades of colors of the affected area of the oral mucosa can vary from clear gray to black.
The black language in children progresses little by little, invisibly to the patient, due to which many patients say that "the blackening of the tongue occurred instantly." The phenomenon of black tongue is observed more often in children, however, adults can also get sick. Traditionally, black pigmentation of the tongue persists, from two to three weeks. If a black tongue happens in a child under 6 years old, then the disease is characterized by relapses.
Treatment.
Treatment of the aforementioned ailment is reduced to eliminating the alleged cause of the disease: treatment of the digestive tract (gastritis, enteritis, colitis), intestinal dysbiosis, prevention of thrush of the oral cavity, prevention of dysbiosis with antibiotic treatment.
In other cases, the desired result in the treatment of black tongue is monitored when prescribing vitamin preparations.
Local treatment involves the use of “keratolytics” (a group of substances that causes peeling of the stratum corneum of the mucous membrane and skin: salicylic alcohol). In children, treatment should occur under the supervision of an expert.
Now let's talk about the main "enemy", which can cause a black tongue, namely about gastritis.
Gastritis is a fairly common ailment, which is characterized by inflammation of the gastric mucosa. The cause of gastritis is Helicobacter pylori, an intestinal bacterium, however, improper nutrition, continuous stress, smoking, alcoholism can contribute to the formation of gastritis. Signs include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. The diagnosis is made on the basis of endoscopic examination of the stomach. Treatment occurs through the appointment of a healthy diet - diet, as well as medication - the use of antibiotics or drugs that increase or decrease the acidity of the stomach, and drugs that protect the stomach from hydrochloric acid.
Treatment includes components such as: diet, treatment with special drugs, preventive measures. Drug treatment usually leads to a decrease in high acidity, elimination of Helicobacter pylori infection and stimulation of the recovery process in the mucosa. The diet is prescribed along with medications. Alternative methods of treating gastritis can be used as an alternative or to consolidate the outcome of the main treatment.
Remember, at the first sign of an unnatural color of the tongue, you need to consult a doctor for advice.