Our gums are often the most neglected areas of our mouths, but they often provide some of the earliest warning signs for poor oral health. They protect our oral health, providing cushions for the teeth and gums and protecting the tooth’s roots from damage. Healthy gums don’t only work to guard our teeth but are also aesthetically pleasing to the eye. However, when they are unhealthy, one of the key signs is dark triangles. Dark triangles are areas between the teeth, often looking like missing spots between the teeth. If you’ve started noticing dark triangles forming, then we’re here to help you learn how they’re caused and what you can do to get them treated.
What Causes Dark Triangles To Appear?
Dark triangles, also known as black triangles or dental triangles, aren’t always noticed at first. As a matter of fact, about 60% of Americans over the age of 20 have some degree of dark triangles present in their mouths. Most people see dark triangles as a sign of aging, but many are unaware of the fact that they are also a sign of poor oral health. Dark triangles can occur from various factors, including:
- Signs of Aging: This is considered the most common reason for dark triangles because the aging process causes the gums to recede naturally. Because of this effect, the tooth’s enamel can weaken and can cause the teeth to become more prone to cavities and even tooth loss. In these cases, it’s important to maintain scheduled visits to help prevent this issue and find other ways to resolve these signs of aging, such as Vitamin D supplements.
- Gum Disease: Another major factor affecting the gums is gum disease. Those with poor oral health or genetically predisposed to gum disease can easily suffer from the effects of inflammation, bleeding, and even eventual gum recession, leading to dark triangles.
- Dental Root Damage: Among the various factors involved with your gums, some are more hidden than others. Dark triangles can also be caused by the tooth’s roots decaying from the inside out due to infections within the pulp. This form of bone decay can also cause the gums to recede and create dark triangles in the process.
- Failed Dental Restorations: Dark triangles can also appear due to faulty restorations caused by malpractice. Dentists who perform procedures poorly can easily cause other issues to develop, and patients in this scenario would need to make a visit to a trusted dentist to correct the issue.
What Are The Treatment Options For Dark Triangles?
Because of all these factors, dark triangles are one of the most prevalent and undiscussed issues within oral healthcare. However, dark triangles, thankfully, can also be treated, including veneers, dental bonding, gum grafts, and gum contouring. Through these treatment methods, your dentist can work with you to help correct the issue and provide preventative measures that help protect your teeth and gums from further decay. No matter the cause of your condition, your dentist will have the best treatment options for you to correct dental triangles, so make sure to schedule an appointment today.