How to get teeth really really clean

[TwoInTheMourning]

without going to hygienist? And I don't mean white, I just mean clean. And I will go to the hygienist after I've managed to get my teeth a little cleaner!

[MildDrPepperAddiction]

Oil pulling is supposed to be good. I haven't tried it though.

[TulipOHare]

Waterpik? They're meant to be great. I have one on order, not arrived yet.

[ToddleWaddle]

Interdental brushes, floss and a good quality electric toothbrush.

[Marylou2]

Go to the hygienist. They won't bat an eyelid. They'll just get stuck in and get your teeth lovely and clean.I do appreciate how you might feel as I didn't go to the dentist for 15 years and was terrified they might judge me.I encountered nothing but kindness and professionalism.They've seen it all,and worse before.Good luck.

[CarbeDiem]

I brush 2 x daily, floss and use mouth wash and that feels quite clean. Although I've just been told I've got a little gum disease so still need some deep cleaning on the gums despite my routine.

The dentist was curious about my lack of plaque on the back of my teeth..... I've been drinking quite a bit of squeezed lemon juice recently both in hot water on a morning and throughout the day in cold water and after about 1 week the plaque I had started to break off.
I've been advised to drink it through a straw now though as the dentist is worried that I could damage my teeth with the acid long term but did say if I wanted I could drink normally or even swill with it 1-2 times a week so long as I brush later so I don't get a build up again.

Like the pp said - the hygienist will have seen it all before. It's not her job to judge you.
Good luck.

[kittymewslie]

Try activated charcoal. Sounds crazy, but it really works! Leaves your teeth feeling just as clean as when you go to the hygenist, and it gets rid of coffee stains too in less than 5 minutes. It can get a bit messy but I use it in the shower (it is very black). You can get in tablet form or in capsules. I have the tablets. I chew one whilst showering/hair washing, and swish it around, spit it out carefully whilst still in the shower, then brush with tooth paste, and rinse with water. You will get a black tongue, but this goes if you brush it. Then stand back, look in the mirror, and admire your superclean brighter teeth! It all looks a bit scary, but seriously, I promise it works. There are lots of blogs and youtube videos about, if you don't believe me. xx

[JimmyCorkhill]

Ooh great idea kitty. People used to clean their teeth with soot in the olden days so they were obviously ahead of their time!

[Pinkfrocks]

Electric tooth brush for a start- round heads only.
Floss or TPee brushes ( like mini bottle brushes) to go in between the teeth.
Mouth wash
Dental hygienist once every 4 months.
No smoking and cut down on sugar especially drinks.

[JenniMoo]

I'd say see the hygienist first and they can get all the plaque off, and you can the just keep it up. I don't think it's very easy to get the plaque off yourself, once it's hardened.

[Petallic]

After brushing I rub my teeth. (Especially the insides at the back) with the corner of a dry towel/flannel. This leaves them a lot smoother feeling and my dentist never recommends a hygienist appt so I'm assuming it's helping keep any plaque at bay.

[Pinkfrocks]

It's impossible to keep plaque at bay especially if you live in a hard water area as we do because the tartar builds up due to the hard water.

[Meglet]

Hygienist first. They can blitz them so you can crack on with a proper dental routine at home.

Electric toothbrush most days. My dentist said Oral B are good. Boots sometimes have good deals on them.

Floss every single evening without fail.

I alternate fancy toothpase (janina) with norma colgate stuff.

I brush with water after meals at home.

Never had a filling except when broke it on my tongue studand the hygienist doesn't know what to do when I go .