What is the treatment for black hairy tongue?

Correct answer: B. Tongue debridement plus an antiseptic/essential oil rinse and removal of predisposing factors

• A. It is not a fungal infection; systemic antifungals are unnecessary.
• B. Correct. Hairy tongue is elongation and retention of filiform papillae with chromogenic staining. Management is mechanical — brushing or scraping the tongue — plus an antiseptic rinse, smoking cessation and stopping the causative agent (antibiotics, oxidizing rinses, bismuth).
• C. Surgery is not indicated for a reversible, benign, self-limiting condition.
• D. There is no inflammatory component requiring corticosteroids.