When you look in the mirror and observe black areas between your teeth, it might be unsettling. Dentists commonly refer to this tooth problem as “black triangles.” Black triangles are more prevalent in elderly individuals in Orem, but they can arise for various causes at any age. 

Find out what causes black triangles and how to avoid getting them in your teeth. 

Reasons for Black Triangles

A beautiful, balanced smile has straight teeth that contact one another and healthy gum tissue in between. If you notice black triangles forming between your teeth, it may be due to one of the following:

Recession of Gum

It’s easy to create gum recession by using too much pressure during brushing, especially using a hard-bristled toothbrush. If the gum tissue is severely injured, it will recede, exposing the darkened portions of the tooth beneath. 

Gum Disease

Many people with gum disease don’t seek medical attention until they see a bone loss. If the bone has been lost, but the gum tissue has not yet receded, this will be shown as a black triangle. When gum disease is present, the gum tissue expands to fill the gap, but once it’s healthy again, it shrinks to fit the bone. 

Bone Decay

The gums cover the jawbone precisely as it curves around the teeth. Gum tissue progressively recedes when bone disappears. Bone loss between teeth often occurs initially in patients with gum disease. When this area of bone dissolves, gum tissue can no longer completely cover the area where teeth meet, creating a black triangle. 

How Your Teeth Are Shaped

If your teeth touch just at the tips, the gum tissue will need to fill a considerably more extensive area. Your gum tissue will need to reshape itself to fit the size and form of your teeth, and this will depend on the shape of your teeth. 

Putting a Stop to Gum Deterioration Before Tooth Loss 

If you have gum recession because you brush too hard, you might be able to stop it by using a gentler technique and a softer bristles toothbrush. When brushing your teeth, it’s essential to avoid damaging the gum tissue near the gum line by using harsh, abrasive strokes. 

You can still do all you can to reverse mild to the moderate recession caused by poor dental hygiene. First, make it a habit to use an antimicrobial mouthwash after brushing and flossing twice daily. 

You may have periodontitis or gum disease if your recession is terrible. Get your mouth in fighting form by making an appointment at Canyon Gate Dental.

Options for Treating the Black Triangle

Your teeth and gums may be restored to their previous condition, but this will depend on the severity of your case and the reasons for the black triangles. 

The following are some of the typical treatment options:

Dental Bonding 

Dental bonding is the process of applying a tooth-colored composite directly to the exposed root in order to strengthen and improve the tooth’s aesthetics. It’s possible that your dentist can “fill in” the gaps in your teeth. 

Veneers 

Cosmetic dentistry may be the best option if you’re self-conscious about how your teeth look. Because veneers are so adaptable, we can collaborate with you to design the veneers that will provide you with the smile your desire. 

Botox

Botox is injected here so that the papilla may be reshaped to fit the gums more naturally. Veneer patients, who often have little gum tissue covering their new teeth, can also benefit from this method. 

If You See a Black Triangle in Your Mouth, Don’t Ignore It 

Canyon Gate Dental is here to assist if you’ve ever felt insecure about how your smile looks. We’re committed to helping you identify and fix the root cause of your black triangles. If you want a nicer, healthier smile, schedule your appointment with us now.