There are four main types of papillae on the tongue—filiform, fungiform, foliate, and circumvallate papillae. The ones most affected by hairy tongue syndrome seem to be the filiform papillae.

When the filiform papillae are allowed to build up for a while, they can get very long and develop a hair-like appearance. They can then trap bacteria, yeast, and food, which add to the buildup.

The most frequently encountered tongue problems are geographic tongue; fissured tongue; and hairy tongue, which is caused by hypertrophy of the filiform papillae resulting in white, tan, or black ...

An Ohio man's tongue turned green and hairy -- a condition known as hairy tongue -- following an alleged reaction to smoking cigarettes while simultaneously taking antibiotics.

Machine learning and topological data analysis identify unique features of human papillae in 3D scans. Scientific Reports, 2023; 13 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46535-9 ...

Related: These growths are filiform papillae that haven't shed as they normally would when they come in contact with rough objects, such as a toothbrush, tongue scraper or solid, textured foods ...

Can you tell the difference between microscopic and massive? Red whirls on this rabbit’s tongue are filiform papillae, which roughen the tongue and help move food around the mouth.

Tint and Texture The tongue is normally covered with little protrusions called papillae. There are four main types of papillae on the tongue—filiform, fungiform, foliate, and circumvallate papillae.