Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Objectification of Tongue Diagnosis in Traditional Medicine, Data Analysis, and Study Application
05:56

Objectification of Tongue Diagnosis in Traditional Medicine, Data Analysis, and Study Application

Published on: April 14, 2023

Black Hairy Tongue in a 54-Day-Old Infant: A Case Report

Masanori Masui1, Yumi Sakamoto1,2, Yuki Kunisada1

  • 1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences Okayama University Okayama Japan.

Clinical Case Reports
|August 5, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Black hairy tongue, a rare condition in infants, was successfully treated in a 54-day-old girl. Gentle cleaning resolved the benign lesion within two weeks, preventing unnecessary medical interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dermatology
  • Oral Medicine

Background:

  • Black hairy tongue (BHT) is a benign oral condition characterized by the elongation and defective desquamation of filiform papillae.
  • It is rarely observed in neonates and infants, making diagnosis and management challenging in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of black hairy tongue in a 54-day-old infant.
  • To highlight the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and successful management of this rare condition in early infancy.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical observation and examination of a 54-day-old female infant presenting with a blackish-brown lesion on the tongue dorsum.
  • Differential diagnosis including oral candidiasis, confirmed by negative microbiological examination for Candida species.
  • Treatment involved parental instruction for gentle tongue cleaning with gauze and a sponge brush.

Main Results:

  • A clinical diagnosis of black hairy tongue was established in the infant.
  • The lesion resolved completely within two weeks of implementing gentle oral hygiene measures.
  • No recurrence of the condition was observed post-treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Black hairy tongue is a rare but benign condition that can occur in neonates and infants.
  • Recognition of this entity is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments in infants.
  • Simple conservative management, such as gentle tongue cleaning, is effective for resolving black hairy tongue in infants.

Keywords:
black hairy tonguecase reportinfantoral hygiene

More Related Videos

Cell Dissociation from the Tongue Epithelium and Mesenchyme/Connective Tissue of Embryonic-Day 12.5 and 8-Week-Old Mice06:56

Cell Dissociation from the Tongue Epithelium and Mesenchyme/Connective Tissue of Embryonic-Day 12.5 and 8-Week-Old Mice

Published on: January 21, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Assessment of the Mouth01:26

Assessment of the Mouth

A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Assessing Body Temperature - Oral01:14

Assessing Body Temperature - Oral

Here are the steps to accurately measure oral temperature using an electronic thermometer:
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...