Hairy Tongue (Noun)
Meaning
A benign side effect of some antibiotics; dark overgrowth of the papillae of the tongue.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The patient developed a temporary hairy tongue due to a week-long course of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
- Hairy tongue may be more noticeable when it occurs alongside other symptoms such as a metallic taste in the mouth.
- The dark discoloration and overgrowth of papillae caused by hairy tongue can often be alarming to the individual.
- In some cases of hairy tongue, the discoloration can be quite pronounced and takes the appearance of black, brown, or yellow 'hair'.
- A hairy tongue can be treated by better oral hygiene practices and discontinuation of the causative antibiotic.