If you have been experiencing a black tongue after taking Pepto Bismol, you are not alone. This is a common side effect of the medication. In this article, we will explore the causes of Pepto Bismol black tongue and what you can do to get rid of it. Keep reading for more information!
What is the Cause of the Pepto Bismol Black Tongues?
When Pepto Bismol is taken, the active ingredient Bismuth combines with sulfur in your saliva to form Bismuth Sulfide. This occurs according to the formula 2Bi3+ +3H2S → Bi2S3 + 6H+.
Bismuth Sulfide is very dark and black in appearance. Bismuth Sulfide can then stick to your filiform papillae, which are the small, finger-like projections on your tongue that give it its rough texture. This can cause your tongue to appear black.
Tongues black from Pepto Bismol are quite a common occurrence. In fact, it has been reported that black tongue may occur in as many as one to ten percent of all cases. However, there is no need to be alarmed. Black tongue is harmless and can easily be treated.
How Long Will a Tongue Stay Black from Pepto Bismol?
The duration of time that a tongue will stay black from Pepto Bismol depends on how long you have been taking the medication. As long as you continue taking the medication, you will likely continue to experience black tongue.
Once you stop taking Pepto Bismol, the black tongue should go away within a few days to a maximum of a week. If it does not, that’s still okay! Just give it some more time as it is completely harmless. In rare cases, it may take up to two weeks for the blackness to go away completely.
Treating Your Black Tongue
As we stated previously, black tongue is harmless. However, we understand that many people do not like the appearance of it. If you are looking to treat your black tongue, there are a few things that you can do.
Brushing Your Tongue More Often
First, try brushing your tongue more frequently. The filiform papillae on your tongue will naturally exfoliate all by themselves, however, that doesn’t mean you can’t help it along. Brushing your tongue will help to remove any build-up of Bismuth Sulfide along it. You can also use a tongue scraper to help remove the blackness.
Taking Pepto Bismol Tablets
If you are looking to reduce the chances of Pepto Bismol black tongue, you can try taking the tablet form of the drug. This will minimize the amount of bismuth that comes into contact with the sulfur in your mouth. If less bismuth comes in contact with your mouth, you are less likely to experience black tongue. However, it is not completely preventable and Pepto Bismol black tongue may still occur.
Other Complications of Using Pepto Bismol
Just like Pepto Bismol can turn your tongue black, it can also change the color of your stool. Your stool may appear black or tarry. This is also due to the bismuth in Pepto Bismol, the exact same reason as turning your tongue black, and is nothing to be concerned about.
Just like, a black tongue, black or tarry stool is also harmless and will go away on its own after several days. The length of time the discoloration will stay depends on your diet, your age (the intestinal tract grows slower with age), and how much of the substance you consume.
Other than turning your tongue black and changing the color of your stool, Pepto Bismol is considered a safe medication with few side effects.
Disclaimer
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No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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