Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

Which patient type is typically associated with black hairy tongue?

1. Non-smokers

2. Diabetic patients

3. Smokers

4. Patients with hypertension

The correct answer is: Smokers

Black hairy tongue, also known as lingua villosa, is typically associated with smokers. This condition arises due to various factors, including the accumulation of keratin on the surface of the tongue, which can be exacerbated by smoking. The heat and chemicals from tobacco can lead to changes in the oral microbiome, slowing down the natural shedding of dead cells on the tongue's surface and resulting in a discolored, elongated appearance. In contrast, non-smokers generally do not exhibit this condition as commonly, as the lack of tobacco exposure reduces the likelihood of the keratin buildup. Diabetic patients can experience other oral health issues due to complications associated with their condition, but black hairy tongue is not specifically linked to diabetes. Similarly, while patients with hypertension may have various oral manifestations or complications from medications, the specific association with black hairy tongue primarily relates to smoking habits.