I know what I am doing wrong. I don't floss and because I have no dental insurance I don't get regular cleanings or dental treatment.

Instead of flossing I brushed my teeth and used Listerine because of the advertisement that Listerine "can penetrate biofilms [plaque], kill germs and protect your mouth for up to twelve hours". I thought when I felt the alcohol burning it was killing germs, which I am certain it was killing the superficial ones but it does NOT penetrate plaque and there is/was a class action lawsuit against Listerine because of their misleading advertisement.

Since I was treated by a dental student a couple of years ago who spoke about flossing I started flossing but it was too late, the damage was done. If I had money I would get implants.