Hops - I'll defer to Bones on this one, with a screen name like that I'd be willing to bet she knows!
Hope, Bones - re the meat tenderizer: pour a dime-sized amount into your palm, and wet the toothbrush, then use the wet brush to pick up the powder (mound it up onto the side of the brush). You will need to do this twice. First round basically removes the biofilm from your teeth - second round gets into the gumline. You really do have to brush at the gumline and you must get the brush around behind your back teeth, and on both sides of the jaw.
You will need to spit more often than usual, bromelain is a protease. On the second round of brushing, you should feel a distinct tingle, localized at the gumline. Once you have been scaled, Bones, you will notice that tingle feels VERY familiar. But it WON"T HURT!
There may be a bit of bleeding at first. This will go away after a few weeks. You can follow up with normal toothpaste brushing.
I do recommend also using Listerine mouthwash or ACT fluoride mouthwash, but I've done that for years and it was the meat tenderizer that made the difference.
There should be marked improvement within even a few weeks, with twice daily use.
Sorry about any typos, I have started an optical migraine and am having 'bagel vision' - gonna have to sign off now because I won't be able to read in about five minutes.
Good night, all, and god bless -