Clinical Presentation • Elongated, hyperkeratotic filiform papillae on tongue dorsum
Etiology • Generally unknown • May be related to poor oral hygiene, soft diet, heavy smoking,
systemic or topical antibiotic therapy, radiation therapy, xerostomia, or use of oxygenating mouth rinses (H 2
sodium perborate)
O
Etiology • Generally unknown • May be related to poor oral hygiene, soft diet, heavy smoking,
systemic or topical antibiotic therapy, radiation therapy, xerostomia, or use of oxygenating mouth rinses (H 2
sodium perborate)
O
producing a “furred” to “hairy” texture • Color varies from tan to brownish yellow to black depending
upon diet, drugs, chromogenic organisms • Symptoms usually minimal; may produce gagging or tickling
sensation on palate
Diagnosis • Clinical features • Culture or cytologic studies not helpful
2,
Treatment • Physical débridement (brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush,
5 to 15 strokes, once or twice daily) • Topical podophyllin (5% in benzoin) followed by débridement • Elimination of cause, if identified
Prognosis • Excellent
