The clinical term for black triangles is open gingival embrasures, which loosely translates to describe triangular openings between the gums and teeth. These small angled openings look like triangular gaps at the base of a tooth, and they are caused by a lack of gum tissue surrounding the angled, tapered roots of the teeth. Many people find their own black triangles unattractive, and dentists find black triangles problematic because food debris and bacteria can easily get trapped in these welcoming spaces, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Some black triangles arise following orthodontic treatment, forming after the teeth have shifted; orthodontists will assess your risks and plan accordingly. In many cases, however, black triangles develop independent of orthodontic treatment, arising naturally in people who have particularly thin gum tissue or angularly shaped teeth. While these black triangles can’t be prevented, per se, it is possible to minimize their size and appearance and prevent them from causing future issues, even without restorative treatment. If the appearance of your black triangles bothers you enough to seek cosmetic treatment, talk to your dentist about your options. If you’re okay with how they look, you can prevent problems with a solid oral hygiene routine that includes routine visits to your dentist.
Gum tissue is easily damaged by aggressive brushing and improper flossing, and when your gum tissue is already thin, it’s extra important to brush properly. Your dental hygienist can demonstrate proper brushing techniques, showing you how to hold the soft-bristled toothbrush gently while softly brushing the teeth in small circles, brushing downward from the gum line. Your dentist might also recommend an electric toothbrush; these instruments prevent incorrect brushing and help preserve the integrity of delicate gum tissue. Regular visits to the dentist, for checkups and professional cleanings, will help prevent gum disease and give your dentist a chance to check for cavities or other issues. Dark stains on the teeth near black triangles can make them look more severe, and your dental hygienist will clean away stains from the inner nooks of your black triangles during your routine cleaning. You can do your part to reduce stains by quitting smoking, which is beneficial for an infinity of reasons, and by minding your intake of dark-colored foods and liquids and brushing immediately after consuming these staining substances.
Without caring for your gums, black triangles will only become more noticeable over time, as the gum tissue continues to weaken and recede. For many patients, the appearance of black triangles can be managed by keeping the oral cavity healthy with a combination of effective home hygiene and regular dental visits. If you’d prefer to treat your black triangles because you don’t like the way they look, talk to your dentist about cosmetic options. If you have black triangles because of gum disease, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist for treatment; any active gum disease must be addressed before cosmetic procedures can safely proceed. These treatments might involve building up the teeth with tooth-colored dental composite to camouflage the gaps, rejuvenating the gum tissue with surgical techniques, or reshaping the teeth themselves.