Christine, if you brush your tongue, check to see how nasty the tooth brush looks after. Mine kind of looks like dirty blood is on it . It's kind of brown looking then but if you look at the color before you brush, it's either dark gray or close to black.

Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here