Black tongue is a condition that usually starts at the back of the tongue before progressing toward the front. It is characterized by a dark discoloration of the small thread-like elevations on the top surface of the tongue.

Dry mouth, medically known as xerostomia, is a subjective lack of saliva in the mouth or dryness of the mucosal membranes. The predominant cause of dry mouth is related to reduced saliva gland output, which is affected by diseases, trauma, medications and medical treatments.

Brushing the tongue when brushing your teeth has been touted as a cure for bad breath caused by bacteria that form on your tongue. This cleaning of the tongue is supposed to both improve bad breath and lessen the risk of infection in periodontal openings while reducing bacterial population.

Having an exceptionally dry mouth can be more than an annoyance: It can be uncomfortable and severe enough that even talking becomes difficult. Also called xerostomia, dry mouth occurs when saliva decreases substantially. The causes of dry mouth syndrome may be temporary or related to some underlying cause or disease.

A Sonicare is an electric toothbrush sold by the Philips company. A Sonicare uses a vibrating head that cleans teeth and gums. All models of the Sonicare come with the Easystart feature, where the power of the toothbrush increases gradually over your first 14 uses.

Sore and bleeding gums may be an early indication of periodontal disease and should be taken care of right away. A visit to your dentist is the first step. Adding certain foods to your diet also can help speed the healing process and improve the health of your gums.

Gums help to support the teeth, muscles, tissues and bones inside your mouth. Unfortunately, your gums might be prone to gum disease or being swollen.

Taking care of your mouth is very important for maintaining good overall health. Neglecting your teeth and gums can make them susceptible to problems such as cavities, gum disease, bacterial infections, impacted wisdom teeth and temporomandibular dysfunction, which is known by the acronym TMJ.

Flesh colored bumps on your tongue can be painful or painless depending on the cause. Some causes of whitish-flesh colored bumps are canker sores, candidiasis and early stages of syphilis. If you’re unsure what’s causing the tongue bump, contact your family doctor for an examination of the affected area.

Cracks at the corners of your mouth, a chronic inflammatory condition medically known as angular cheilitis or perleche, can be painful, unsightly and embarrassing. Although these cracks may look and feel dry, dry skin is not the cause of cheilitis, and applying moisturizer may make matters worse.

Rarely are tongue problems an indication of a serious condition. Even large, white bumps on the tongue shouldn't cause alarm. You're constantly exposing the tongue to substances that may lead to irritation, inflammation and even infection.

Black tongue is a condition in which the tongue has a black appearance. The tongue could also have a brown or yellow discoloration. It is a condition that is not dangerous and usually goes away without medical attention.