The term “black triangle teeth” does not necessarily refer to the teeth themselves but rather to an oral health condition dentists refer to as gingival embrasures. This condition causes triangle-shaped black gaps that appear along the gum lines between the front teeth.
For children, black triangle teeth can be a source of self-consciousness when talking or smiling. But this condition is also symptomatic of deeper oral health issues that a pediatric dentist can treat.
At Ironwood Pediatric Dentistry, we treat a wide range of childhood dental issues, including black triangle teeth. In this blog post, we discuss the causes of black triangles between teeth and treatment options if your child is experiencing black triangle teeth.
If you would like to book an appointment for your child, please call us at (480) 422-4544 or contact us online.
What Causes Black Triangle Teeth?
Sometimes, different tooth shapes can cause black triangles to form between teeth. However, there are several other reasons why this condition can develop.
Tooth Structure
Your child’s incisors can vary in shape: rectangular, oval, or triangular.
- Rectangular teeth have straight, symmetrical edges. Rectangular teeth generally pose little or no risk for triangles between your child’s teeth.
- Oval teeth have rounded edges, but usually the upper edges still fit closely enough together that this tooth shape is not usually a cause of triangles between teeth.
- Triangular teeth are teeth that are wider at the bottom than at the top. This tooth shape can contribute to triangle-shaped gaps between teeth.
Receding Gums
If your child’s gumline recedes due to gum disease, it can lead to gaps between the edges of the incisors.
Gum recession is also a contributing cause to more serious oral health problems like cavities and periodontal disease.
Improper Teeth Brushing and Flossing
Sometimes brushing and flossing the teeth too vigorously while using a toothbrush that is too large can cause gums to recede, which in turn can lead to triangles between teeth.
Bone Loss
In some cases, a loss of bone tissue can cause gums to pull back from the teeth, causing black triangles. As with receding gums, bone loss can contribute to other oral health issues, such as gum disease and periodontal disease, as well as osteoporosis.
Side Effects of Orthodontic Treatment
On occasion, the shifting of teeth due to braces or other orthodontic treatment can lead to black triangles between teeth.
Treatment Options for Black Triangle Teeth
Several treatments exist to treat black triangles between teeth. Your child’s pediatric dentist can help you choose the best one. Here are some common options.
Practicing Proper Oral Hygiene
As we mentioned above, aggressive tooth brushing and flossing can sometimes cause gum recession.
Often, all it takes to reduce black triangles between teeth is to be more gentle with daily oral hygiene, giving the gums a chance to heal and grow back into the gaps.
Orthodontics
If orthodontics contributed to black triangles, further orthodontic dental work can correct this problem.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored resin to build up tooth surfaces for filling in gaps between teeth.
Can Black Triangles Between Teeth be Prevented?
Some of the treatment options for black triangle teeth we have mentioned above are also effective in preventing this condition by maintaining healthy gums. The most effective preventive measures are practicing good dental hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing.
This discourages the buildup of bacterial plaque that can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and other periodontal issues. Use gentle brushing and flossing techniques, and a soft-bristle toothbrush.
Other preventive measures to promote healthy gum tissue include maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and minimizing stress.
Do You Have Questions About Black Teeth Triangles Between Your Child’s Teeth?
Black triangle teeth are an aesthetic issue for your child that, if left untreated, can contribute to more serious dental problems. Specifically, these gaps can trap food particles, which in turn become a source of fuel for harmful bacteria that cause plaque buildup, cavities, gum inflammation, and gum disease.
Fortunately, effective treatments exist to fix black triangle gaps between adjacent teeth and foster good gum health.
At Ironwood Pediatric Dentistry, our Scottsdale pediatric dentists can guide you in choosing the best option for your child to eliminate gaps between teeth, promote a beautiful smile, improve self-esteem, and support good oral hygiene.
To find out which treatment option is right for your child, call our dental office at (480) 422-4544 or use our online contact form to set up an appointment with one of our experienced pediatric dentists.