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Flagyl and Hairy Tongue

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Posted 6/18/2012 7:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I'm new here. My name is Kevin.

I'm not sure if I'm posting this in the right forum, but I saw some other posts in this section regarding the antibiotic Flagyl and I'm hoping someone could help me.

Last year I was on a 1 week course of Metronodidazole (Flagyl) and ever since then I have had this condition called "Hairy Tongue" that for the life of me I cant get rid of. It has me horribly depressed.

My tongue has 1,000's of little elongated papillae. Its thicker towards the back. My hairy tongue traps food debris, causes halitosis, looks unslightly and alters the taste of food. It also makes me feel like I have dry mouth. It only affects the top of my tongue. The sides, and underneath look normal. As do my cheeks and lips.

At first my DR. thought it was thrush and gave me Nystatin. This of course didnt help since it was not thrush and was in fact Hairy Tongue. He also administered some other tests to be sure it wasnt due to something more serious. I was tested for;

-HIV/AIDS
-Hepatitis

-Thrush and Epsen Barr Virus tongue culture

-WBC and RBC counts

-Diabetes test

All of my tests results came back normal. Which is good of course! But I'm still stuck with a hairy tongue. After all that the DR sorta shrugged and "sometimes peoples tongues turn white" and said there was little I could do.

I also have tried some at-home treatments

-Gargling diluted Hydrogen Peroxide

-Taking Oral Probiotic lozenges

-Taking pill form probiotics

-Brushing the tongue twice daily with tongue scraper

-Practicing good oral hygene (which I always have anyways)

Nothing has worked :(

I HATE that I ever took that aweful stuff, I wish my tongue and my elongated papillae would just go back to normal. Im at my wits end...

If anyone has experience Hairy Tongue, please let me know what might have helped. Im so depressed I just want to be able to enjoy life again.

Also I'm on no medication. Im a 28 year old Male, and have no known medical conditions other than hairy tongue and a Nickel allergy. (if that helps)

Posted 6/19/2012 2:44 PM (GMT 0)
I feel so bad for you, I was on flagyl for several months on and off and my toungue turned white. I copied and pasted this for you from http://www.aaom.com/patients/hairy-tongue/ A good web page. Did you call your dentist???
I brush constantly plus I got a water pick and I used steril water to clean my mouth. It worked for me but I didnt have your problem, Good luck.
Q: How do I get rid of hairy tongue?
A: In most instances good oral hygiene with a toothbrush or tongue scraper will result in elimination of the build up. Individuals with a persistent coating on the tongue should consult their dentist or other trained oral health professional. Hairy tongue that does not resolve with such simple measures may be treated with medical or surgical treatments by qualified individuals.

Q: How can I prevent hairy tongue?
A: Most individuals can prevent hairy tongue by practicing good oral hygiene. Brushing the top of the tongue with a tooth brush should be part of regular daily oral hygiene activities. Many individuals are sensitive and have a tendency to “gag’ when accomplishing this procedure. Using a small brush and gradually going backwards tends to lessen this problem. A number of tongue cleaning devices (tongue scrapers) are available. If you continue to have a problem cleaning your tongue, consult your dentist or an individual with experience in this area.

Q: Will hairy tongue come back?
A: The key to successful long-term elimination is excellent oral hygiene. Patients who have had hairy tongue are at greater risk for recurrence.

The information contained in this monograph is for educational purposes only. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have or suspect you may have a health concern, consult your professional health care provider. Reliance on any information provided in this monograph is solely at your own risk.
Posted 6/19/2012 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Dusty, thanks for the info.

I did go to my dentist, but he said just to brush my tongue. He didn't offer any other treatment, and he didnt mention antibiotics or surgical methods to treat it. Perhaps I need another dentist. He did acknowledge I had hairy tongue, but simply said it would eventually go away.. And told me not to worry because as annoying as it is; it's a benign condition.

HAH.. Benign.. I wonder if he would feel that way if he were living with it. Plus it's been almost a year and it hasnt gone away... it hasnt even improved a little bit. It's as bad as it was the week it formed from the Flagyl.

I'm thinking I need to find another dentist who knows of the antibiotic/antifungal meds and/or surgical method to deal with hairy tongue. (as your post mentions)

I did find 2 other people who post here who got hairy tongue from taking Flagyl.. But their posts are several years old and I don't know how it turned out for them or if it eventually went away.

Ugh.. I'm just so miserable.

Post Edited (Kevdood1983) : 6/19/2012 11:58:44 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/19/2012 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
ughhhh, awful drug that one is. I was given this drug awhile back and after the second pill my whole mouth started burning as well as my tongue and my taste buds all swelled up. I will never take that drug again. It is awful. One of the things is that flagyl messes with the taste perception so I imagine it can cause an array of issues with the oral cavity. Sorry you are dealing with this. I wish I had an answer for you. Maybe see an ear nose and throat specialist, maybe they will be able to help. Hope you get better soon.
Posted 6/19/2012 8:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and sorry you are going through this! I don't think I had hairy tongue, but I did have a terrible taste in my mouth and mucous in my throat for several months after taking Flagyl. My GI gave me anti-fungal medicine and it did no good. We also tried increasing my Prilosec because we thought maybe it was reflux, but that didn't work either. My dentist didn't have any idea what to do, but he did say that my taste buds were all inflamed, so maybe my problem was similar to yours. So I don't have any useful solutions for you except to say that it eventually went away on its own and we never figured out an effective treatment. I know it's been a year for you. How Frustrating!!! I hope it disappears or you figure out what to do soon.
Posted 6/20/2012 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for emotional support everyone, I really appreciate it.

If only I had a crystall ball before taking Flagyl.. or if I had read how so many others had bad experiences with it.. I would never have taken that aweful drug. :(


I read some folks here, and at MedHelp forums, who had similar experiences with coated tongue after powerfull antibiotics. So I'm defintetly not the first to get Hairy Tongue from taking Flagyl. In fact I found this thread on this very same forum where this girl "Metlichic" got Hairy Tongue from Flagyl.

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=17&m=954905

Her post is from 2007. I wish she were still writing on the forums here, I'd love to ask her whatever happened to her hairy tongue. And if it ever went away.

I also read about a product called VSL#3... it's a powerful pro-biotic that helped that helped this guy get rid of his coated tongue. Or so he says... Here is the link.

http://www.foodreactions.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=172&sid=0fc87613348dd4304d6e2c6b8bab226e

It's expensive, but I'm going to give it a shot. Heck.. I'll try anything.

If powerful pro-biotics dont work to restore oral and intestinal flora, I intend to find another dentist or ENT Doctor.. because my regular dentist clearly doesnt know how to or doesnt intend to do anyting for me. I might have to have the elongated papillae sutured off by a trained professional and then hope it doesnt return.

No matter what, I'll be sure to update this thread so others who get this condition might not have to suffer as long and I.

Post Edited (Kevdood1983) : 6/20/2012 12:37:04 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/21/2012 5:43 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Kevin

I'm lilly. I too suffer from hairy tongue. is it a very hard time to live with this condition. I have bad breath all the time because of this problem. I once was so fedup with it and I brushed my tongue very strong with a mixture of baking soda and salt and a bit of water, the coating went away and my breath was fine for nearly 10hrs. I was so so happy at that time but after brushing like that for two days I had to stop because my tongue was hurting. I too don't know anymore what and how to get rid of it. After eating my mouth smells after the food that i ate because it all coats the surface of the tongue. I'm so depressed right now.
Posted 6/21/2012 6:29 AM (GMT 0)
You may have developed thrush from flagyl, you should go see your doc, if it's thrush brought on by flagyl they can give you meds for that I believe.

Feel better soon!
Posted 6/21/2012 1:00 PM (GMT 0)
Lilly,

What brought your Hairy Tongue on? Did you take antibiotics? Do you smoke? Drink 2 or more cups of coffee a day? Do you have poor oral hygene? Do you drink lots of Red Wine? Do you take any medications or have conditions that give you constant dry mouth?

I only ask because those can be pre-disposing factors to Hairy Tongue from what I have read. In my case it was the antibiotic Flagyl. Supposedly if you eliminate ALL pre-desposing factors Hairy Tongue is supposed to go away over time. I of course disagree with this because I have excellent oral hygene and took Flagyl over a year ago... and I still have Hairy Tongue as bad as the week it formed while taking Flagyl.

Furthermore this website claims Hairy Tongue could be a sign of dysbiosis in the intestines, or a fungal and or bacterial infection. I'm not sure Im sold on that theory.. but here is the link if you want to read it.

http://rnblog.rockwellnutrition.com/2009/10/how-do-i-clear-up-hairy-tongue-it-feels-fine-just-looks-awful/

In any case, I know how horrible you feel. I cant believe how much Hairy Tongue affects my being able to enjoy life. As you said the elongated papillae are basically a velcro pad for food particles, sugars and proteins. It is unsightly, gives me halitosis, makes the top of tongue feel dry and sticky, and worst of all it gets so caked up with debris it blocks my taste buds from being able to taste food! I cant tell you how much I miss being able to taste food like I could last year before I took that aweful stuff. :(

To pb4,

It's not thrush.

I have been to the DR, he did a thrush tongue swab, and the culture came back negative. Hairy Tongue is an entirely different condition that only affects the top of the tongue and is basically hyperkeritanized layers of elongated filliform papillae. Oral thrush on the other hand is a fungal infection that grows in colonies of patches that affects the tongue, cheeks and lips. I WISH IT WAS THRUSH!! Than it would have gone away when my DR gave me Nystatin mouthwash and Diflucan.
Posted 6/22/2012 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Kevin,

Actually I don't even know when I got this matter, but I don't smoke, don't drink(just once in the blue moon), I drink coffee once in a while, I definitely have a good oral hygiene just came from the dentist last month which confirmed nothing was wrong.

If i'm not wrong I started of by having some sour taste in my mouth. later on it didn't happen anymore but I felt like I had something in my throat, every time I swallow it was kind of stinking so I discovered that I had tonsil stones. So I gargled and used a water pick(what ever u may call it) and it solved the problem no more bad smell from the throat. But still I have this funny taste in my mouth and don't feel that it is fresh at all after brushing. I really can't remember when the hairy tongue occurred just knowing that I had a foul odor from the tongue so I started scraping it from that day on which was a long time ago till now i'm stucked with this problem. Maybe I was too hash on the tongue, so I tried gently scraping it for a few days but couldn't bare the odor from the tongue. gently scraping didn't help the bacteria were not removed enough.

I have read that the hairy tongue comes from lack of good bacteria in your mouth. In your case because of the antibiotics it had killed the bad and the good ones too, so that's why the hairy tongue occurs(just a thought)

I will have my saliva checked and see if there is any problem there but now I have to fine a job first to be able to have some money to go to the doctor.

best regards,
lilly
Posted 6/22/2012 5:26 AM (GMT 0)
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=308557

do you think the Ranitidine pills will work? or have you tried it? as mentioned by Brenda K
Posted 6/25/2012 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
Well I went to the new dentist today.

He said I had a "mild case of Hairy Tongue," but since I was keeping it clean and keeping the papillae white-ish in color there wasnt "anything to worry about."

He seemed a little surprised I still had it a year later from a 1 week course of Flagyl. And suggested with good oral hygene it should eventually go away. Who knows... maybe another year or two :(

I tried telling him I have already been very dutiful over the past year with good oral hygene, but he just said to "keep it clean." He was a nice enough guy, but he didnt offer up any treatment.

He said in severe cases, where the papillae are very long or turning black, that they surgically clip off the elongated papillae.. but that my case was not severe enough for that treatment.

I wanted to say "I dont care! Clip them off Doc!!!!"

Siggghhhh.... looks like Im still stuck with this for the time being.

I have my yearly physical later today with my General MD. (the one who originally prescribed me Flagyl) I will show it to him again, and see if he can offer up some treatment.

But it seems as though I'm stuck with hairy tongue :(

I miss food tasting normal :(
My elongated papillae get so gunked up my taste buds can't taste food!

If anyone ever reads this, dont take Flagyl unless you ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO!
Posted 7/4/2012 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
Ok, so I know this will sound a bit kooky, but I found a site that discussed "Oil Pulling"- you will have to do a search on it. Anyway, I finished 10 days of Flagyl and got hairy tongue.
So, after reading about this Oil Pulling, I tried using Grapefruit Seed Extract because I already had it at my house and use it when I get sinus infections. So- I put a few drops in an ounce of water and swished in my mouth twice a day and today the white tongue is almost gone. I also dipped my toothbrush into the water/ extract mix and brushed my tongue.
It is worth a try. I bought the Grapefruit Seed Extract at a whole food store but you can also buy it online.
Hope his might help you too!
Posted 7/7/2012 4:17 AM (GMT 0)
I have the same problem you have Kevin....I have gone to an ENT, my physican, my crohns doctor for it and know one can do anything for it....they also thought I had thrush but I didn't....I still have it...I haven't noticed my breath smelling bad, I am always asking my husband if is does, he says no but anyways my taste buds are all screwed up as well....Some lady on here told me to try the crest pro-health tooth paste for sensitive teeth...it's suppose to help with the acid attack that we get from having crohns...it has helped some but not completely...i still get it but not as bad...so give that a try...
Posted 7/11/2012 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sungirl40,

Thanks very much the info. So your Hairy Tongue has gone away? How long did you have to gargle/brush with GrapeFruitSeed Extract before it worked?

I do have a bottle of GrapeFruitSeed Extract, I am giving it a shot. I will gargle and brush my toungue with the mixture twice a day (after my normal brushing routine) and will posts the results. The instructions on the bottle basically say what you said. To mix 3 or 4 drops in a mouthfull of regular water, and gargle for 30 seconds before spitting out. So thats what I'll do... gargle, spit, brush tongue. 

Let me know how long I should do this.

Post Edited (Kevdood1983) : 7/11/2012 11:41:21 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/11/2012 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
Oh wow!  This sounds terrible to have to deal with.

I was on flagyl one time and developed a white film on my tongue too. Went back to my doctor and showed him and he said, "Fur Tongue". shocked

I said, Ewwwlll that sounds awful and that I much prefer the technical name, whatever it was. LoL eyes

Anyway he gave me another antibiotic to counter it and it helped. I can't remember for the life of me what it was though.

Let us know how the grapefruit seed extract goes!

Fingers crossed! 

Sukay~* 

Posted 7/12/2012 2:57 PM (GMT 0)
Sukay,

I wish you could remember the name of the antibiotic that made it go away :P !

I have read a couple websites that say antibiotics are sometimes perscribed for Hairy Tongue, but they never mention the name of any specific one I could recommend to my DR.

Anyways, the old tongue is still as hairy as ever.. Im on my 2nd day of brushing/gargling diluted GSE... no effect yet, but it could take several weeks if it works.

*fingers crossed*

If you remember the name, or can find out, which antibiotic made your hairy tongue go away I'll kiss your feet!
Posted 8/28/2012 5:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Kevin,

I'm new on here. I am just posting to see if you have resolved your hairy tongue issue? Your symptoms sound exactly like mine. I took Flagyl for a week in May and the hairy/white/gunky tongue have been there since the day after the last pill :( I have been to several docs and 2 dentists, all who misdiagnosed it as thrush. Took Nystatin and 2 weeks of Diflucan and didn't change a thing. I have no sores, redness , or anything else anywhere in my mouth. Just my annoying, dry, nasty tongue. I have scraped , which seems to make it worse. Tried Biotene for about 3 weeks, did seem to make it appear better but it's still there. Probiotics don't do a thing or brushing with vegetable glycerin which I saw posted somewhere. I am completely depressed about it. I drive my husband crazy looking up treatments on the internet. It's just very dry and food doesn't taste right. Please let me know if you find or have found a solution! I have an appointment with an oral pathologist on Sept 26th. Hoping he will give me a prescription for an antibiotic to get rid of it. Not fun :( If I find a cure I will let you know.

Tara
Posted 9/21/2012 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
HELP!
I'm 16, and I have Hairy Tongue, or it has me, God only knows, and I also have a girlfriend! I CAN'T BRING MYSELF TO EVEN KISS HER LATELY AND SHE WILL FIGURE OUT SOMETHING IS UP!!!

I got it because I was bed ridden with West Nile Virus and I didn't have the best oral hygiene for a few days, due to the massive amounts of sleep and impaired motor skills, now I have hairy tongue!!!

I have fought with it morning and night; Toothbrush, mouth wash, and even an inverted spoon to scrape the stuff off, it works for a few hours and then comes back! WHAT IN GOD'S NAME SHOULD I DO???
Posted 9/25/2012 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
I developed this problem after using natural antifungals (Xbiotic) (to deal with candida) and I am still trying to get rid of it.

So far the only thing that has made any difference to my tongue was 'lifetime Oregano Oil & Olive Leaf' but be warned, it will burn like hell and is very potent. Many cannot deal with using it the way I did. Most recommend P73 Oregano Oil though (no grain alcohol).

I noticed that after placing a few drops on my tongue, the hairy layer began to come off after cleaning. I couldn't do this for long because it can irritate the tongue a little so needed a break for a few days between applications, however, it seems taking Beta Glucan makes the tongue repair quicker (could be coincidence).

I still have the problem but it is a lot less hairy than it used to be and remains much thinner. I have began taking Biotics ADP Emulsified Oil of Oregano to see if that will help.

I figure since Oregano Oil dealt with the problem topically, perhaps it could help internally since that is where I believe the problem lies.

If that doesn't work I will try using the oil on the tongue again and without stopping until the layer has completely gone.

The root of my problems were from a poor diet rich in sugars, confectionery, processed foods and not enough fruit and vegetables but I have changed this now.

I will post back here with any updates.


I would be very surprised if the Oregano oil I mentioned didn't work for others but if the problem is internal, then I think it will just return.

If you swallow the oil, perhaps the stomach acid may decimate it before it has had a chance to be of any use which is why I suggest taking soft gels or emulsified form when using internally.

If you do this, don't forget to take a good Probiotic along side your new and improved healthier diet. I recommend Renew Life 50 billion and Perfect Food Super Green formula.

You can read about another person who had similar results, just don forget to pay attention to the internal problem if this works for you!

curezone.com/forums/am.asp?i=287934

Another post here details temporary results with a topical apllication of Oregano Oil but also talks about the internal issues and the immune system.

curezone.com/forums/am.asp?i=1824899

More research also suggests that in some cases, Retin - A in liquid form has cleared up some peoples hairy tongue in 3-5 days.

Edit: I believe Oregano Oil works due to it irritating the mucus membranes and skin, not because it is doing anything else. This is just my theory though but it is in line with how Retin A works I think.

Post Edited (Healing_Ways) : 10/2/2012 7:46:14 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/17/2012 2:36 AM (GMT 0)
I am 35 and as far as I can remember my tongue is always white. I used tongue scrape, brush, reversed spoon, all kinds of mouth wash, nothing worked. In the past 15 years, I found out that red wine would clear it for about a day. half of a glass would work within 10 mins, and last 24 hours or so. none of the other alcohol works. needless to say, I've been drink quite a bit of red wine since early 20. I hope this helps. if anyone can tell me what I have, I'd worship you as my god.
Posted 10/18/2012 2:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Kevin and Lily,

I took Flagyl back in January after I had my appendix out. Ever since then, I've had a hairy tongue. Literally, it's been 10 months and it still hasn't gone away. I've asked my doctors and dentists and no one can give me an answer. I always suspected that my hairy tongue had to do with the antibiotics that i was given back in January.. but it wasn't until I was put on Flagyl AGAIN that I read the symptoms and saw HAIRY TONGUE.

I've come to realize that many doctors and dentists don't know much about it since it's not a "harmful." Since it's not a thrush.. or a fungus, it's not "harmful." But I TOTALLY GET that you are depressed about it. I have to think about it every morning and night when I brush my teeth because it's never done away. I wouldn't say that I'm depressed, but I am REALLY annoyed with this condition. And it's frustrating that more doctors don't know what to do about it. I really hope it goes away one day because I will be sad if I have to live with this for the rest of my life. I know there are worse things out there that people live with, but kissing has never been the same :(

Hopefully, someone will have a better answer for us all...

Mo
Posted 10/25/2012 2:33 AM (GMT 0)

BEENOO said...
I am 35 and as far as I can remember my tongue is always white. I used tongue scrape, brush, reversed spoon, all kinds of mouth wash, nothing worked. In the past 15 years, I found out that red wine would clear it for about a day. half of a glass would work within 10 mins, and last 24 hours or so. none of the other alcohol works. needless to say, I've been drink quite a bit of red wine since early 20. I hope this helps. if anyone can tell me what I have, I'd worship you as my god.

What is the exact name of the Red Wine?

Apparently Wine makers are permitted to include additives without listing them on the label. They could be anything from clay, acid, artificial yeasts, enzymes, sugar, gelatin, and charcoal to types of milk protein.

This makes me wonder whether it is something else in the Wine helping the tongue go back to normal. If you know the name, we can investigate / contact the manufacturer etc.

However, since Wine (apparently) stimulates stomach acid, it could be why your tongue goes back to normal. If this is the case then you could try drinking 5mls or a sip of digestive bitters before and after meals to see if this has the same effect.

Post Edited (Healing_Ways) : 10/24/2012 9:22:07 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/25/2012 2:51 AM (GMT 0)

lilly1011 said...
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=45&m=308557

do you think the Ranitidine pills will work? or have you tried it? as mentioned by Brenda K

Interesting link, Ranitidine is for reducing stomach acid or to treat ulcers / indigestion. I guess if your hairy tongue is related to too much stomach acid then maybe it would help.


However, I think our diets are more likely to result in a reduction in stomach acid and that can have similar symptoms confusing everyone.

I think if you have burning along with a white ./ hairy tongue then perhaps Ranitidine might help, that's assuming too much acid was actually the problem.

Post Edited (Healing_Ways) : 10/24/2012 9:21:07 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/27/2012 5:19 PM (GMT 0)
I found this youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1lyFPUIkfE

Is this similar to how your tongue looks?

Post Edited (Healing_Ways) : 11/11/2012 8:12:39 AM (GMT-7)

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