Gingivitis?

[crl529]

I have braces, and it is a real hassle to floss. For a while, I did virtually zero flossing. However, I started doing so every day about a month ago.

Between the last two molars on each side on the top, the gum was somewhat tender and painful when I flossed. I figured that this was due to poor oral hygiene so I kept flossing them to tried to keep them clean.

A few days ago, I noticed that the floss smelled awful and rancid after flossing there, and there was a very gross taste in my mouth. Now it is quite bad. Even after I finish brushing and thoroughly flossing, my mouth tastes bad in just 15-25 minutes. I am using mouthwash now in addition to flossing and brushing.

Do you think this is a result of not cleaning my teeth enough, or possibly from flossing too roughly? More importantly, is there anything I can do to treat this myself before seeing a dentist? What should I avoid?

Thank you for your time!

[crl529]

To clarify, I am talking specifically about the gum between the teeth furthest in the back of my mouth on each side of my top teeth. That is where it felt painful, and where the bad taste/smell comes from.

[love1221]

It is probably from poor hygiene.  The gum tissue may have started to become inflamed, once you started flossing it, that could have made it worse.  The bad taste/smell could come from food that is getting packed into that area because the gums are so inflamed.  I would recommend seeing your dentist just to make sure there is nothing packed back there.  You could also try using a water pick.