If you’ve ever noticed black staining on your teeth, it can be a real concern and can force your hand to up your oral hygiene regime.
A dentist has warned that while black triangles between your teeth are not inherently dangerous, they could indicate health problems, such as gum disease, or gum recession – which need treating. So what are black triangles? They appear near the gumline, and when you see them from the front, they appear as a triangle. These spaces may look dark because food particles, plaque, or debris can get caught in the little gaps, which makes them more noticeable.
Dr Abdul Azizi, principal dentist of Harley Private Dentist Clinic told the Express: “They are not necessarily a sign of poor hygiene, as various factors, including genetics and tooth shape, can contribute to their development. However, they can trap food particles and impact oral hygiene and aesthetics, which may warrant dental attention for cosmetic or preventive reasons.”
He said there are many reasons you may see the black triangles. One is gum recession, as the tooth root can become exposed and create a black triangle. Another is bone loss, as gum disease can lead to the loss of bone support around the teeth, potentially resulting in the gums coming away from the teeth, leaving exposed space between the teeth.
Variations in size, shape, and alignment can create gaps or black triangles, according to Dr Azizi, especially if the teeth are not perfectly adjacent to one another – and age-related changes can mean that your teeth also change, leading you to see black triangles.
Orthodontic changes, like braces, or aligners, can also cause the pesky black triangles – but there are ways that you can try and combat the issue.
Preventing black triangles between teeth can be challenging, Dr Azizi explained, but there are several measures you can take to help minimise your risks, including good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, orthodontic treatment, gentle flossing, avoiding smoking, and managing certain medical conditions such as diabetes, as it can increase the risk of gum problems.
If you have problems with teeth, such as toothache, sharp pains, or if your gums are swollen, or bleed when you brush your teeth, you should see a dentist.
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