110_ Black Triangles_ What Causes Black Triangles_

What Causes Black Triangles?

The clinical term used to describe the small black triangular gaps that can appear between the teeth at the gum line is open gingival embrasures, but that term can be quite a mouthful. These small gaps are more commonly referred to as black triangles, which is just what they look like. Black triangles generally appear between the anterior teeth of people who lack sufficient gum tissue, due to the tapered shape of many people’s front teeth. While people’s gums naturally recede due to aging, the erosion of the gum tissue can be accelerated or aggravated by forceful brushing, dental infections, and gum disease. Patients with more triangular teeth and patients with naturally thinner gum tissue may be more predisposed to black triangles.

Black triangles may not be preventable in some cases, but it’s possible to minimize the effects of gum recession by brushing properly and avoiding infection and disease in the oral cavity. It’s important to brush at least twice a day and to floss daily, but it’s also important to brush correctly. Your dental hygienist can show you the specific technique, which involves holding your soft-bristled toothbrush loosely and brushing in gentle circles with fluoride toothpaste. Dentists suggest brushing each quadrant of the mouth for thirty seconds, taking care to brush the biting surfaces of the teeth as well as their anterior and interior surfaces, and brushing debris softly away from the gum line. If you notice any of the signs of gum disease, make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist. These symptoms can include bleeding while brushing or flossing, swelling or redness in the gums, and loose teeth. Sometimes, gum disease can be largely asymptomatic, but your dentist will be able to tell if it’s developing and nip it in the bud – so make sure to include regular dental checkups in your oral hygiene routine.

Black triangles are more susceptible to plaque buildup and can trap food, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Many patients also dislike the way the black triangles in their teeth look. If you don’t mind their appearance, you’ll want to make sure to pay special attention while cleaning the area of the gap to prevent the accumulation of destructive bacteria and debris. Black triangles won’t get better on their own and are actually more likely to grow more noticeable over time, though you may be able to manage them and keep them minimal with improved oral hygiene. If you do decide to address your black triangles, your dentist can review your options with you. Your dentist’s treatment solution will depend on the cause and severity of the condition and your own treatment preferences. Dentists can disguise black triangles with tooth-colored dental resin, masking the gaps, or they might use one of a variety of treatment techniques to rejuvenate the gums. Additionally, some dentists use a combination of dental reshaping and orthodontia to improve the teeth and gum line; these are just a few of the ways dentists can help patients improve their black triangles and restore the appearance and integrity of teeth that are affected by black triangles.