Same damn problem I had exactly a year ago...flossing around a crown
and noticed putrid odor and some blood.  Last year, I went to the
dentist when I had the same problem with another crown.  Result was a
new crown on top of work on the cavity below.  Cost=$1,000 out of
pocket.

I'm a grad student and I don't know how I can come up with another
$1,000.  Can I hold off this new crown problem by brushing, flossing
and salt rinses after every meal for say the next couple of months or
so?  Hopefully during that time I'll be able to get a job with dental
care.  Or will I lose the tooth/crown?