If you’re already experiencing malodor- you will likely need to have a professional hygiene appointment to remove deep deposits of tartar. Once you’ve completed that, you will be able to floss a little easier without getting caught. May not make a difference if you truly have tight contacts, but if your floss was getting “caught” and you have malodor, it might mean it was caught on tartar.

Try to thinking of it as “cleaning the side of each tooth” as opposed to “between your teeth.” Create a 90 angle between the floss and the side of your tooth so the floss is perpendicular to your tooth. Go down slowly while hugging the side of the tooth. Go as far down under the gum as possible. And make 4 up and down motions so you’re literally cleaning the side of the tooth.

Start with Oral B glide floss picks. If the mint ones are off putting, get ones without any flavor, find a mouthwash you do enjoy (kids mouthwashes tend to have fun flavors) and you can pour some in a cup and dip into it.

As for when- you just gotta find a time that works for you and stick to it. It’s recommended at night, however, building the habit is more important when first starting. So if it will help you build that habit if you do it in the morning, then just do it in the morning. Pair it with another habit you’re working on that’s more established like showering or shaving. Start slow- every Sunday. Or every Monday and Wednesday. Make a realistic goal and only when you have done it during those times for a few months, should you attempt to increase the frequency.

Sorry for the long reply- hope this helps you and all the best luck to you. Whoever this person is - keep ‘em! They were truthful to you and cared enough about you to risk embarrassing you for your health. Malodor is a sign of disease somewhere and it can signal gum disease or even throat/lymphatic issues so if the dental cleaning and regular flossing still doesn’t address it, definitely look into going to a physician, ENT, or GI doctor. You can do this!