If you mean you want a detailed explanation of that claim, there’s an important distinction: plaque can be removed at home, but hardened tartar (calculus) generally cannot be safely removed with household tools. Trying to scrape it off yourself can injure the gums or scratch tooth surfaces.
What you can safely do at home
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Brush twice daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for about two minutes. Angle the bristles toward the gumline and use gentle, small movements rather than aggressive scrubbing.
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Clean between your teeth daily: Dental floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser can remove plaque from areas a toothbrush misses.
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Pay attention to the gumline: Plaque commonly accumulates where the teeth meet the gums. Gentle cleaning there is more useful than trying to scrape deposits away.
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Use an antibacterial mouthwash if appropriate: It can be an adjunct to brushing and interdental cleaning, but it doesn’t dissolve established tartar.
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Don’t use sharp instruments: Avoid dental picks, needles, knives, or metal scalers intended for professional use. They can cut the gums, cause infection, damage fillings, or scratch tooth surfaces.
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Don’t rely on acidic or abrasive DIY remedies: Lemon juice, vinegar, concentrated baking soda, or similar substances can contribute to enamel erosion or irritation.
What happens to existing tartar?
Once plaque has hardened into tartar/calculus, normal brushing and flossing generally won’t remove it. A dental professional can remove it with appropriate instruments while protecting the teeth and gums.
If you have bleeding or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, tooth pain, or significant tartar buildup, a dental examination is particularly worthwhile. These can occur with gum disease and shouldn’t be treated simply by trying to scrape the deposits away yourself.
So a more accurate version of “be your own dentist” would be: be your own daily dental-care provider, but leave tartar removal to a dental professional.
