What is it?
Gum tissue between teeth.
← All explanationsInterdental papilla
What fills the space between two teeth?
The interdental papilla is the gum tissue between neighbouring teeth. It often looks triangular between front teeth. Its shape depends partly on tooth position, contact area and supporting tissues; it does not look identical in everyone.
For training & practice ↓
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Between teeth
The tissue lies beneath the contact area. Between back teeth its three-dimensional shape is more complex than a single flat triangle.
When a gap appears
An open dark space may reflect tissue recession, tooth shape or position. Appearance alone does not identify the reason.
Choose suitable cleaning
Floss or appropriately sized interdental brushes clean between teeth. Avoid forcing them; discuss discomfort and suitable sizing.
At a glance
What affects shape?
Tooth position, contact and supporting tissues.
What can be discussed?
The cause of a change and appropriate cleaning.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
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Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.
Read the film text in English
Between teeth
The tissue lies beneath the contact area. Between back teeth its three-dimensional shape is more complex than a single flat triangle.
When a gap appears
An open dark space may reflect tissue recession, tooth shape or position. Appearance alone does not identify the reason.
Choose suitable cleaning
Floss or appropriately sized interdental brushes clean between teeth. Avoid forcing them; discuss discomfort and suitable sizing.
Often confused
Papilla or contact point?
The papilla is gum tissue. The contact area is where neighbouring crowns touch.
Quick answers
Is a black triangle decay?
Not automatically. The phrase often means an open space beneath tooth contact. Dark marks on the tooth need separate assessment.
Will it definitely grow back?
That cannot be promised. Cause and tissue conditions determine what options are reasonable.
Should I stop cleaning if it bleeds?
Do not routinely stop. Clean gently, have recurrent bleeding assessed and ask for suitable technique and tools.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
An editorially suggested question for a discussion with Dr med dent Niusha Barahmand Pour:
What roles do tissue and tooth shape play in this space?
A new gap is visible or the gum between teeth bleeds? Have that area assessed.
Have the interdental area checkedAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Interdental
- Situated between teeth.
- Papilla
- Here: the gum tissue within an interdental space.
- Contact area
- The area where neighbouring crowns touch.
Make the distinction
The papilla is gum tissue. The contact area is where neighbouring crowns touch.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.