What Causes Black Spots Under The Surface Of Tongue?

Posted on Tue, 17 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 17 Feb 2015 Answered on

Sat, 14 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I got this two black spots inside under my tongue my dentists says it got there from from eating potato chips how likely is that ? Like jammed into my mouth, which it did I remember. However I think because I thinks its from my bondage and discipline gear that stains my mouth like its has many times before. Just curiouse.

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Ecchymosis, physiologic/smoking pigmentation

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your query, I have gone through your query.
As far as the black spots over the under surface of the tongue is concerned, I have two possibilities.
It can be a ecchymosis secondary to trauma caused by the potato chips. The other possible cause can be a physiologic pigmentation or it can be secondary to smoking (if you been smoking).

Nothing to be panic, consult a good oral physician and get it evaluated. Those induced by trauma will heal in a week time. A physiological pigmentation, though it may stay on for awhile, it's concerning. However if you smoke, you need to quit smoking.

If you can upload the images of the tongue, I might be able to consider other possibilities (if any).

Hope my answer will help you, take care.
If you have any queries reply me back.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (46 minutes later)

Well I used to smoke a longtime ago about ten to twelve years ago whats the cure Just curisouse?

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
smokers melanosis, quitting smoking habit

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feed back.

The smoking habit might have resulted in pigmentation called smokers melanosis. However honestly without a picture, I am unable to come to a conclusion. Therefore I request you to upload images of the lesion so that I can give you exact diagnosis.

If you have already quit the habit of smoking, its well and fine nothing to worry.

I hope my answer will help you, take care.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad