Tongue issues

[pistolizer29]

What effects on your papillaie will brushing your tongue have? I ask because I never brushed it, however since I started, I've noticed longer, and inflamed papillaie. They seem to be increasing in number and are mostly at the middle of my tongue. I've become obsessed with this problem and keep on scratching my tongue with my fingernails - gross I know, but what can I say. I guess the question is - chicken or the egg, am I causing it, or am I just seeing it becausse I'm brushing the tongue. My Dr told me its nothing to worry about, but I'm freaked out I might have a hairy tongue and be seriously ill. The area is not really discolored, but I note that the elongated ones I speak of have what looks like a red root inside them. PLEASE advise!

[StratRebel]

Without a clinical exam, I could not tell you definitively what you have.  You already have 3 opinions, stick with those ;)  
If you are worried about HIV, tests are quick and easy.  Don't go trying to find things wrong with you online, your mind will start playing tricks on you.

[pistolizer29]

Hey thanks for the insight. I guess the reason I'm so freaked out is that when I GOOGLE hairy tongue - HIV comes up... I assume I would have some other symptom if that were the case, but needless to say its unsettling. Can you tell me how long it would take to develop hairy tongue? And how long it would hang around for, and any treatments? I have been to two doctors and a dentist, both say this is not what I have but I'm a bit of a nut and need some other opinions. Thanks very much

[StratRebel]

Almost all cases of hairy tongue come with discoloration.  Chances are you are just brushing too hard, causing the inflammation.  Do remember, your teeth are a lot harder than your tongue, you do not need to use much pressure at all when brushing it.
However, if you are worried, do check in with a dentist or oral surgeon, they can clinically give you a better answer.

[scottma]

Hhe etiology of hairy tongue is unknown in most cases.There are a number of predispoing factors that have been related to this disorder, such as neglected oral hygiene,a shift in microflora, antibiotics and immunosuppressive drugs, oral candidiasis,excessive alcohol consumption, oral inactivity,and therapeutic radiation.