Welcome to Yorkie Talk. It is necessary to put a dog under anesthesia to do deep cleaning under the gum line, where the most harmful bacteria and problems reside.
A visual exam while the dog is awake can identify gingivitis and some decayed or broken teeth, but taking care of these problems requires anesthesia. A couple of members here brushed their dogs' teeth daily, and the teeth looked good. However, when they went in for a cleaning, the vet discovered several teeth that needed to be extracted. Genetics often plays a larger role than commitment to cleaning. Many Yorkies are simply prone to tooth decay.
__________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy  |