Are Black Triangles Normal?
When your teeth do not meet at the gumline, you may have black triangles between your teeth! Black triangles are very common and can occur in patients of any age. Most of the time, black triangles are nothing to be worried about and are simply a cosmetic concern but occasionally, they can be a symptom of an underlying condition such as periodontal disease, bone loss, or other medical issues so it is important to mention it to your dentist when you notice them.
What causes black triangles in teeth?
As we age, our gum tissue naturally becomes thinner and recedes from root surfaces. When black triangles form, it can affect your oral health depending on the size of the space. Large black triangles can create a food trap and lead to an increased buildup of plaque and bacteria which can quickly lead to tooth decay.
Patients who are undergoing orthodontic treatment may notice the appearance of black triangles as their teeth shift and straighten. Teeth that are tapered toward the root will often have a little bit of space between teeth along the gum line which may not have been obvious before if the teeth were crowded and overlapping. As the teeth begin to align, black triangles can appear. This is often a simple fix with interproximal reduction which simply means that your doctor will use a thin dental file to remove some of the surface between teeth so that the orthodontic appliance can work to pull the teeth closer together. This will usually close any black triangles that appear during orthodontic treatment.
How are black triangles fixed?
Depending on the cause of your black triangles, your dentist may advise one treatment above another. If you have underlying periodontal disease, it is very important to have that addressed and taken care of before things worsen and you start to experience bone loss and tooth loss. A simple deep cleaning may be all you need to get your teeth and gums healthy!
Other options include gum grafting and gum rejuvenation with filler injections of hyaluronic acid. A gum graft is a more invasive surgery than filler injections but it will last for years, with good oral care, whereas filler injections will need to be redone every six months or so regardless of how great your oral care is.
Your dentist can also place dental bonding between your teeth to build up the surface in the open space or they can apply dental veneers which will give you an entire new tooth shape and close the space.
Black triangles will not go away on their own and will only get larger over time. If you have black triangles in your teeth, discuss them with your dentist even if they do not bother you cosmetically to be sure there is no underlying cause that could turn into a bigger problem down the road.