I’m a dentist – this is what it means when you have black triangles between your teeth

A dental expert has issued a health warning about the risk of ‘black triangles’ between your teeth and what to do if you notice them.

Anna Peterson, a dentist based in Essex, used TikTok to explain what the triangular spaces between your teeth mean, but added that it can sometimes be a ‘good thing’.

‘Black triangles’ are gaps between the bases of your teeth, usually caused by receding gums, and can grow up to half an inch wide. The exposed spaces can make the gums vulnerable to the build-up of bacteria from food that gets stuck, causing gum disease and tooth decay.

Anna advised her viewers to clean between the teeth “at least once a day” and cited interdal brushes as the optimal tool to combat the problem.

However, her video provoked mixed reactions from viewers as some people questioned her advice, with one person claiming they noticed the dreaded triangles after a visit to the dentist.

Before the video, Anna pushed back on the belief that black triangles are caused solely by poor dental hygiene: “Black triangles are not always caused by poor cleaning,” she said.

‘Sometimes black triangles are a sign that inflammation has decreased after periodontal treatment – and that’s a good thing! However, watch this video to avoid getting black triangles.

Standing in what appeared to be her office and putting on official dental gear, Anna began showing off her own teeth as a healthy comparison – which were a dazzling, clean white.

The video then cut to a close-up of a bottom row of teeth, visibly affected by black triangles. A stark contrast to Anna’s pearly white shades.

Between the anonymous person’s middle four teeth were small black triangles that appear to have been created by space and not dirt: “This is what a black triangle looks like,” Anna said.

‘It’s really just space between the teeth and the gums, usually caused by the gums receding into the tooth.

‘Because the teeth are triangular in shape, we do have some space at the neck of the teeth and the gums will usually fill that space, just like with my teeth.’

The expert zoomed in on her own teeth, revealing a patch of healthy pink gum tissue at the base of her top teeth.

She took to TikTok to explain what the triangular spaces between your teeth mean, but added that sometimes it can be a “good thing”

“If you don’t clean between your teeth at least once a day, the gums can recede into the tooth,” she continued.

‘There are many different things you can use to clean between your teeth, such as interdental brushes, a water flosser or just dental floss.

‘But I would highly recommend using interdental brushes as they are clinically the most effective way to remove plaque bacteria.’

Interdental brushes are tiny dental appliances that can reach just below the gum line and reach places a regular toothbrush cannot.

For viewers who were still stumped after a series of do-it-yourself dental work, Anna advised them to seek help from a professional.

Anna advised her viewers to clean between the teeth “at least once a day” and mentioned interdal brushes as the optimal tool to combat the problem

“Have them check to make sure they fit each size and if they don’t, just use floss or a water flosser.”

She concluded: ‘And this is how you prevent black triangles between your teeth’.

The video has since proven very popular, with over 250,000 views and almost 100 comments.

Commenting on the video, one confused user wrote: ‘Won’t interdental brushes cause that? I’m always afraid that this will be the cause.’ Anna promised to investigate the answer.

Meanwhile, someone described interdental brushes as ‘torture’: ‘Interdental brushes are torture, the metal is so painful against my teeth. I floss. However, I can’t get super floss between my teeth.’

One person blamed a trip to the dentist for his own black triangles: “I only got one after the dentist cleaned it.”

Someone else asked, “Yes, but what do you do once you have the triangles?”

And to a question about how to “close” the triangular gaps, Anna answered: “There are many ways! In my opinion the best way to make composite joints is, I’ve done a few cases for patients.’