THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE USE OF MOUTHWASH AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF HAIRY TONGUE: A CASE REPORT

• Published in: Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology, 2022-09, Vol.134 (3), p.e152-e152
• Main Authors: Da Silva, Júlia Braga, Rio, Maria Ivanda Rabelo Do, Da Silva Coelho, Andressa, Valvano, Beatriz Menegon, Rodrigues, Bruno Teixeira Gonçalves, Israel, Mônica Simões
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2212-4403; 2212-4411
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2022.01.381

A 60-year-old White female patient presented with the chief complaint of 3-month loss of taste while using an over-the-counter flask of mouthwash per day during this period. Her medical history was not contributory. Intraoral examination revealed that the dorsal surface of the tongue was covered by a soft layer of elongated filiform papillae, presenting a brownish coloration, which confirmed the diagnosis of hairy tongue associated with ageusia. Complementary exams were not necessary because the diagnosis was obtained through clinical examination. A few articles in the literature suggest that agents present in some mouthrinses may increase the risk of hairy tongue and cause dysgeusia. Therefore, in this case, the use of mouthwash was discontinued, and the patient received instructions about oral hygiene. In the follow-up, regression of the hairy tongue was observed, and the patient reported the return of the taste sensitivity.