Open gingival embrasures, commonly called black triangle teeth, are triangular open spaces that appear between two teeth at the gum line. There are multiple factors that could lead to the development of black triangles, and, while there may be some measures you can take to slow or halt their progression, black triangles won’t go away on their own. Some people with black triangles aren’t bothered by them, but others report that they don’t like the appearance of their smile, or that their black triangles create speech impediments or lead to spitting while talking. Even when black triangles don’t interfere with aesthetics or day-to-day activities, they can still be a problem – largely because they’re easy traps for food debris and can be breeding grounds for bacterial plaque. Of course, effective oral hygiene is always important, but it’s extra important to be fastidious around black triangles or any other oral condition that might interfere with effective cleaning. This includes regular monitoring from a dentist, as the risks of tooth decay and gum disease increase when hygiene is compromised.

While black triangles won’t go away on their own, it’s possible to slow or even halt their growth with certain treatments and some good habits. This means that the first thing you should do if you notice black triangle teeth is contact your dentist. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health to determine the cause of your black triangles and plan treatment with you. When black triangles arise because of an outside force, like aggressive brushing or flossing, or because of gum disease, addressing this outside cause can stop their development and help the gums heal. When black triangles occur because of simple aging or genetics, certain cosmetic dentistry procedures can restore the smile. Your dentist will review your treatment options with you, and these treatments may be medical, cosmetic, or a combination of both.

Some methods of slowing, stopping, or repairing black triangle teeth include:

1. Gentle oral hygiene that thoroughly cleans the teeth, especially at the gum line
2. Treating existing gum disease
3. Treating existing bone loss
4. Resculpting the teeth with composite dental resin
5. Redesigning the teeth with porcelain dental veneers
6. Restoring depleted gum tissue with hyaluronic acid injections
7. Repairing orthodontic treatment results with additional orthodontic methods

Ultimately, black triangle teeth appear because there is an insufficient amount of gum tissue at the juncture of the teeth and gums. Gum tissue can be destroyed by gum disease, which requires periodontal intervention lest additional tissues and teeth be lost. Gum tissue can also be damaged by overly forceful brushing or flossing, and adopting new hygiene habits can help prevent further damage. When black triangles appear because the gum tissue is particularly thin or delicate, hyaluronic acid injections could help plump up existing gum tissue to fill in the gaps.

Other cosmetic treatments, like composite resin bonding or veneers, help redesign the teeth and gum line so that everything appears even from top to bottom. Tooth-colored composite resin can be used to sculpt the teeth and significantly lessen or eliminate black triangles, and some dentists recommend using pink composite resin to make the gums appear more robust. Porcelain veneers that are cemented to the teeth can cover black triangles and make the teeth appear more even. There are pros and cons that come with each treatment method, and your dentist can give you more information about things you might do to help your black triangles go away.

Related Article: Are Black Triangles Normal?