HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Treating a Black or Coated Tongue
Topic Overview
Home treatment may be all that is needed for a black or coated tongue.
- Brush your tongue daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste or a solution of 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 2 parts water.
- Scrape the tongue with an upside-down teaspoon to remove the "furry" coating on the tongue.
- Do not use tobacco products.
Bismuth products, such as Pepto-Bismol, can turn your tongue black. The black appearance will go away after you stop taking the medicine.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference July 20, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Reference David Messenger, MD |
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