This morning when I looked in my mouth, my tongue was black!

Factual Questions
1

The title says it. I got out of the shower, opened my mouth to brush my teeth, and… :eek: the top of my tongue (the lickin’ side) is black! It seems to come off when I brush it and spit, but not very well. Do I have the plague? Last night I took a chewable Pepto-Bismol because my tummy felt naughty. Could that have done it? Granted, the tablets are pink, not black, but I dunno what bismuth subsalicylate does when it’s been on your tongue for a while.

Well, I’m gonna go to class now (I have a test to take!) We’ll see if I keel over or not.

2

The bismuth component of the pepto is what turned your tongue black. Not to worry. Next time swallow a glass of water to get rid of the residue.

3

Whew! Good to know. Since I’m still alive, I shall assume that that was indeed to problem.
Thanks!

4

lheh heh - this guy’s going to be a bit surprised to discover that his bowel movements are going to be considerably darker, too. Let’s let him know it was the Pepto that did that, too.

5

I hafto amagine that this Q is asked monthly on here.

6

This is the first time I’ve ever seen this question.

7

It may not have been asked before, but I should have thought about reading the back of the box :smack: before posting.

“When using this product a temporary, but harmless, darkening of the stool and/or tongue may occur.”

But now for a much more interesting question than my possible demise by black-tongue disease…

What chemical process causes the blackness? Does anyone know? I shall google away and see what I can fine.