“Why does it smell bad when I floss my teeth?”
I am a 27 year old female. I want to know why does it smell bad when I floss my teeth?
6 Answers
DentistDentist
Dear 27-year-old female,
Great question. That bad odor you smell is the build up of plaque and biofilm that forms on teeth. They are loaded with bacteria. In addition, there may be food adhered to the plaque. Brushing will not reach in between your teeth and for those who don't brush, that's where the gum disease and cavities start. Keep up the good work. BTW, I hope you use real traditional floss and not the string on a handle. If you use them, I suggest you use GUM brand Soft Piks instead (although I am a traditional flosser myself).
Hope this helps,
Steven Chamish, DDS
Great question. That bad odor you smell is the build up of plaque and biofilm that forms on teeth. They are loaded with bacteria. In addition, there may be food adhered to the plaque. Brushing will not reach in between your teeth and for those who don't brush, that's where the gum disease and cavities start. Keep up the good work. BTW, I hope you use real traditional floss and not the string on a handle. If you use them, I suggest you use GUM brand Soft Piks instead (although I am a traditional flosser myself).
Hope this helps,
Steven Chamish, DDS
Because there is food trapped there and the bacteria is breaking it down. The waste products of the bacteria are what you smell.
You most likely have unhealthy gums. Visit your American Dental Association dentist for a cleaning & exam.
It smells bad because the plaque you are removing contains 10,000,000 bacteria and their waste products per milligram. Pretty gross!
How often do you floss? Flossing is recommended at least once daily. Bad odor could be from bacteria in between your teeth.
Bad smell come from trapped food in between teeth. If you are going to floss, floss right after eat and brush teeth. Chewing gum or rinse with mouth wash after brush will help.
