I'd listen to the vet's advice. Yorkies have notoriously bad teeth, and if you don't clean them they quite likely will lose them as they age. I've so far managed to stave off cleanings a little longer by brushing regularly with a pet toothpaste, but it hasn't eliminated the need for periodic cleaning. One of mine was able to wait until he was 6 years old before his first cleaning. The other just turned 4 and is just now looking like she needs one.
That said, no need to panic. Dogs who lose a lot of their teeth can still eat and lead happy lives.
__________________ Mike ~ Doting Dad to Jillie, Harper, Molly, Cooper, Eddie (RIP), Lucy (RIP), Rusty (RIP) and Jack (RIP). Check us out on YouTube |