2. Enveloped in a Haze: How Tobacco Use Clouds the Tongue in Black
The notorious relationship between tobacco use and an array of health adversities is no secret. However, the discussion seldom drifts toward its impact on oral health, particularly, its profound connection with Black Hairy Tongue Syndrome. Tobacco users often find themselves entwined in a subtle web where the visual aesthetics of the tongue gradually dim into a disconcerting shade of black, stippled with hair-like projections.
Tobacco, whether chewed or smoked, releases a plethora of chemicals into the oral cavity. These substances are not mere bystanders; they actively engage with the oral environment, altering it in several impactful ways.
Notably, some chemicals present in tobacco are known to decelerate the natural exfoliation process of the papillae on the tongue. This inhibition provides an open invitation for the papillae to elongate, initiating the first chapter in the BHT saga.
Furthermore, the darkening agents within tobacco effortlessly intertwine with the now elongated papillae, staining them with a stark, dark hue. This amalgamation of inhibited exfoliation and persistent staining crafts a visual that is characteristic of BHT. However, the interaction between tobacco and oral health cascades deeper, impacting not only the physicality of the papillae but also the residing microorganisms within the oral cavity.
As the darkened, elongated papillae stand tall, they also serve as a sanctuary for a variety of bacteria and yeast. The altered oral environment, now rich in tobacco’s chemical cocktail, fosters the proliferation of these microorganisms, further intensifying the black, hairy appearance. Moreover, the microbial imbalance could potentially amplify oral malodor, adding another layer to the tobacco user’s oral health conundrum.(2)
