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.