Mind the gaps!
A UK dentist is warning that unsightly gaps that appear as black triangles near the gum line could indicate oral hygiene concerns.
“They can trap food particles and impact oral hygiene and aesthetics, which may warrant dental attention for cosmetic or preventive reasons,” Dr. Abdul Azizi, principal dentist at Harley Private Dentist Clinic in England, recently told Express.
The so-called “black triangle teeth” — a condition known as gingival embrasures — can be caused by gum recession, large toothbrush use, aggressive brushing, narrow front teeth, bone loss, or faulty orthodontic treatment, according to California-based orthodontist Dr. Brian Thurman.
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“It is essential to fix these black triangles for cosmetic reasons and dental well-being,” Thurman wrote in his blog in 2021. “They not only ruin your smile, but they also provide space for bacteria to grow in your teeth.”
Thurman advises flossing gently, using a soft-bristle toothbrush — and replacing it every three or four months, before it frays — in addition to adopting habits that can ward off gum disease.
“Smoking increases the risk of gum disease and hampers the body’s ability to heal damaged gums. Quitting smoking promotes healthy gums and reduces the chances of black triangles,” Thurman added.
“A balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management contribute to overall gum health and decrease the likelihood of black triangles,” he continued. “The good news is there are many treatment options available to treat gingival embrasures. Your dentist is the right person to suggest the appropriate treatment in your case.”
How to fix black triangles
- Be gentle with brushing and flossing — doing so can reverse early damages
- Consider veneer tooth coverings, thin shells of porcelain that fit over the front surfaces of teeth
- Have a professional inject hyaluronic acid into your gums to have them regenerate
- Opt for gum-contouring surgery to reshape gums and reduce black triangles more permanently
- Undergo an often cheap and quick dental bonding procedure to fill in the gaps with tooth-colored resin
