Hairy tongue: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Seek emergency help for difficulty breathing, rapidly increasing mouth or throat swelling, or an inability to swallow saliva.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek prompt medical or dental advice if you develop significant pain, swelling, fever, pus, repeated bleeding, difficulty drinking, or signs of dehydration.

   An ulcer, lump, or red or white patch that does not heal also needs assessment.

   These are not typical features of hairy tongue and may signal another urgent problem.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine appointment with a dentist or primary care professional if the change is new and you are unsure what it is, or if it does not improve after a week or two of gentle tongue cleaning.

   Routine assessment is also appropriate if it keeps returning, causes troublesome gagging, affects eating, or is accompanied by ongoing dry mouth.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hairy tongue. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.