A black, triangular gap can sometimes develop between the two large front teeth visible from the front. It is not the gums turning black, but a phenomenon in which the dark interior of the mouth behind them can be seen through. This is called a ‘black triangle,’ a gap that looks like a black triangle because the gum between the teeth has receded. People who habitually use toothpicks to remove food stuck between their teeth after meals should be especially careful.
◇The problem is the habit of moving a toothpick up and down
If a toothpick is inserted between the teeth and repeatedly moved up and down, the ‘interdental papilla,’ the gum that fills the triangular space between the teeth, may recede. According to a study published in the journal ‘Quintessence International,’ an examination of the gums between the front teeth of 69 adults aged 20 to 29 found that those who moved toothpicks up and down between their teeth had more severe loss of the interdental papilla than those who used them by inserting and removing them. Not only the direction of use but also how often and how long toothpicks were used had an effect. Gum loss was also greater among those who used toothpicks three or more times a day or for more than three years.
◇It can also occur when periodontitis causes the bone between the teeth to recede
Toothpicks are not always the cause of black triangles. When the alveolar bone between the teeth decreases because of periodontitis, the gums that covered the bone may fail to fill the empty space, causing a black gap to appear. According to a study published in the journal ‘Frontiers in Dental Medicine,’ when the alveolar bone between the teeth is resorbed due to periodontal disease, the interdental papilla that fills the space between the teeth may recede, leading to the formation of a black triangle. More specifically, it happens as follows. The gum between the teeth fills the space with support from the bone beneath it. When this bone recedes because of periodontitis, the empty space that the gum must fill becomes larger, making it more likely that the gum between the teeth will fail to rise all the way and leave a black gap. If the black gap between the front teeth is accompanied by frequent gum swelling or bleeding and even a sensation that the teeth are loose, periodontitis should be considered and treatment for the inflammation should be received first.
If a black triangle has developed, the appropriate care depends on the cause. If you have a habit of using toothpicks incorrectly, you should first use them properly. In general, do not force thick toothpicks or interdental brushes that do not fit between your teeth into the spaces. Instead, gently clean the area without injuring the gums by using soft dental floss or an interdental brush that fits the size of the spaces between your teeth. If you have periodontitis, inflammation should be eliminated through scaling or periodontal treatment.
◇The problem is the habit of moving a toothpick up and down
If a toothpick is inserted between the teeth and repeatedly moved up and down, the ‘interdental papilla,’ the gum that fills the triangular space between the teeth, may recede. According to a study published in the journal ‘Quintessence International,’ an examination of the gums between the front teeth of 69 adults aged 20 to 29 found that those who moved toothpicks up and down between their teeth had more severe loss of the interdental papilla than those who used them by inserting and removing them. Not only the direction of use but also how often and how long toothpicks were used had an effect. Gum loss was also greater among those who used toothpicks three or more times a day or for more than three years.
◇It can also occur when periodontitis causes the bone between the teeth to recede
Toothpicks are not always the cause of black triangles. When the alveolar bone between the teeth decreases because of periodontitis, the gums that covered the bone may fail to fill the empty space, causing a black gap to appear. According to a study published in the journal ‘Frontiers in Dental Medicine,’ when the alveolar bone between the teeth is resorbed due to periodontal disease, the interdental papilla that fills the space between the teeth may recede, leading to the formation of a black triangle. More specifically, it happens as follows. The gum between the teeth fills the space with support from the bone beneath it. When this bone recedes because of periodontitis, the empty space that the gum must fill becomes larger, making it more likely that the gum between the teeth will fail to rise all the way and leave a black gap. If the black gap between the front teeth is accompanied by frequent gum swelling or bleeding and even a sensation that the teeth are loose, periodontitis should be considered and treatment for the inflammation should be received first.
If a black triangle has developed, the appropriate care depends on the cause. If you have a habit of using toothpicks incorrectly, you should first use them properly. In general, do not force thick toothpicks or interdental brushes that do not fit between your teeth into the spaces. Instead, gently clean the area without injuring the gums by using soft dental floss or an interdental brush that fits the size of the spaces between your teeth. If you have periodontitis, inflammation should be eliminated through scaling or periodontal treatment.