I want to share some things with which I have had good experience with regard to plaque, tartar and teeth stains.
Particularly heavy teeth stains from smoking and tartar can be easily removed with an ultrasonic instrument, which can be purchased for 40 euros.
Actually, one goes to the dentist in order to carry out a professional teeth cleaning twice a year for about 100 - 200 euros (costs always depend on the effort and dental practice). At least we pay this in southern Germany, since we are insured over statutory health insurance and have not taken out any additional insurance that covers these costs.
We ordered an ultrasonic tooth cleaning set for just under 40 euros from Amazon. The teeth stains and tartar can be removed really well with it. Due to the two different attachments (a pointed attachment for the gaps and a slightly wider attachment for the surfaces), you can easily get to all areas.
At first I thought the device was defective when I turned it on. But really, the vibration is only triggered when you step on hard substance like the tooth. As soon as you come to the gums, for example, nothing happens. It is important not to press too hard and rather like holding a brush or pen and wanting to paint something small loosely and lightly, work on the appropriate areas with a steady hand.
Since we do not know what effects ultrasonic tooth cleaning has on the teeth when used regularly, we also see it as doing this form of treatment twice a year. So please do not use the ultrasonic tooth cleaning set as a toothbrush replacement. In any case, we can remove dental plaque and tartar ourselves for a one-off fee of EUR 40 instead of EUR 200 – 400 per person per year.
We clean the attachments before and after use with high-proof alcohol. The device itself can be charged via USB. That's about all of the maintenance.
Otherwise, next to the daily brushing, the use of interdental brushes and dental silk as well as miswak, I personally find one thing very good: to rinse your mouth with coconut oil in the morning and evening. For many years I have been able to get an inflammation in the lower jaw under control, which had developed due to incorrect treatment of a dead molar, to such an extent that the inflammation is now acceptable and occurs more situationally (e.g. when I am emotionally not in a good mood, my immune system is somewhat weak). When I get up in the morning, I first put a heaping teaspoon of coconut oil in my mouth and draw the oil through my mouth. Sort of like wanting to make chirping noises or imitating an exaggerated air kiss. Of course without me making any audible noises. I do that for 10 minutes. Since I can do a lot in 10 minutes, I don't just sit there, I do e.g. simple relaxation and stretching exercises that are not strenuous, since I can only breathe through my nose during this time, get dressed or read etc.
Best regards.