How do you get your teeth really really clean...

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...without dentist/hygienist intervention? I obviously brush my teeth twice a day (electric toothbrush) but even after brushing my teeth never really feel that clean.

I have a Philips Sonicare and its the best i ever had, much different to my old Braun electric toothbrush. Always use Listerine after brushing and you will see the difference.

Floss, then sonic brush, then mouthwash.

Never need to see the hygienist, and my dentist always compliments me on my oral hygiene

Elgydium toothpaste and an electric toothbrush.

My dentist advises against mouthwash.

How about those waterpik type machines? I think Phillips do their own version.

My mouth doesn't feel properly clean unless I've flossed.

Use a disclosing tablet every few weeks - it really does refocus your brushing to the areas needed.

I have a waterpik as DS is a bit young to floss. It does take away the plaque feeling at the gum line. I like to floss as well though as my teeth are quite crowded.

I got a sonicare a couple of weeks before Christmas and I think my teeth are a lot cleaner and a lot whiter than they used to be. I'm very impressed.

I know I should floss but I just can't be arsed.

I "oil pull" which is basically choosing an oil you like (i use almond or linseed) or just water and after drinking a glass of water in the morning you just swish the oil or water for quarter of an hour or 20 mins. then spit out down the toilet (this really does remove bacteria).

Then brush with an electric toothbrush and floss of course. My dentist is amazed at my teeth. (i don't drink normal tea or coffee all the time though!).

Use a straw whenever possible.

The probem with straws is your mouth gets wrinkles around it early and the acid drinks still become part of your metabolism leading to bad gums and discoloured teeth eventually !

problem (of course)

Can I ask how much oil you would use for oil pulling? Is it the same as you would use a mouthwash?

I tried oil pulling and HATED it (threw up after about 20 secs with vegetable oil) - but I see water mentioned above, does this give the same result?

Yes lovelychops about the same.

OnTheBottom You have to try different oils and or water (they did it on a TV. programme some people with coconut oil and some using water there was no difference to the bacteria count apparently).

I have a "thing" about keeping my teeth clean - I think it gets harder with age. I floss twice a day and brush three times a day. Every other day, I use Pearl Drops whitening toothpaste; the rest of the time I use Arm and Hammer sensitive toothpaste. I buy both from the pound shop. I use an ordinary (Aldi) toothbrush with a smallish head, and replace it whenever it begins to splay.

Why is mouthwash advised against. I don't use it, but was thinking of buying some of the sensodyne wash.

Oh, and I use an electric toothbrush, at least twice a day. Also have some of those tiny interdental brushes, I don't floss

The normal mouthwashes are full of chemicals; you may as well swish properly with water for 15 mins (see above oil and water pulling).

Mouthwash is ridiculous marketing. Almost all of them are classed as "cosmetic" meaning they have no medicinal properties.

Think of toothpaste as sunscreen (albeit to protect your teeth from decay and sensitivity rather than your skin from burning) and decide whether you'd another yourself in sunscreen and then jump in the shower. No. Thought not.

Spit don't rinse.

Use a WaterPik ( water jet flosser) after brushing with sonic toothbrush. It is fantastic for cleaning around gum line. Also use an additional electric toothbrush with smaller head for cleaning behind teeth and back teeth.

I love Arm and Hammer liquid calcium toothpaste as well. Supposed to fill in small pits in teeth with enamel. Must admit it makes your teeth feel very smooth and they do look whiter.

Swishing with oil or water for 15 minutes is a bloody long time. Do you have a stroll around whilst you're swishing? How do you keep it in? I'd be gagging.

facebaffle i get showered (i don't overfill my mouth btw ) you know, the usual morning things it's easy just a habit. I don't do it every day though.

Mouthwashes should only be used if they are alcohol free as exposure to alcohol has been linked to oral cancers. If you do use one make sure it has fluoride in else it is pretty pointless.

I've never used a Waterpik, but dentists I have worked with haven't rated them.

Technique is more important than toothpastes. I'm sure there will be videos on YouTube of correct brushing technique. You need to clean for longer than you think too so a timer may be a good idea. Always use a medium brush with a small head. I personally use a Braun electric brush.

Some toothpastes are abrasive (particularly smokers toothpastes). These should be avoided as they will wear away enamel if used long term.

Flossing should be done everyday. If gums bleed when you brush or floss this is an indication of inflammation so the area needs more attention, don't go more gently as some people do.