Hairy tongue (lingua villosa) is a commonly observed condition of defective desquamation of the filiform papillae that results from a variety of precipitating factors. The condition most frequently is referred to as black hairy tongue (lingua villosa nigra); however, hairy tongue also may appear brown, white, green, pink, or any of a variety of hues depending on the specific etiology and secondary factors (ie, use of colored mouthwashes, breath mints, candies).