[alaskayorkie]

Genetics plays a big part of it, so don't beat yourself up. I have one dog who made it 6 years before vet suggested a cleaning because of mild tarter. I have another who didn't make it 2 years before she had bad tarter and needed a cleaning. She's ready again at age 4.

I would recommend the vet and a professional cleaning, then start a regimen of tooth brushing every day. It won't make the problem go away, but it should extend the time between cleanings.