Yorkie Dental Problems: Signs, Care and When to See a Vet
Yorkies have famously difficult teeth. Small jaws, crowded mouths, and a breed tendency toward dental disease mean most Yorkies will face dental problems at some point in their lives.
Why Yorkies are prone to dental problems
Yorkshire Terriers have small mouths with the same number of teeth as larger dogs — 42 adult teeth packed into a tiny jaw. This crowding traps food, encourages plaque buildup, and makes cleaning difficult. Add to this that Yorkies often live into their teens, and dental disease becomes almost inevitable without consistent care.
Dental disease is not just about bad breath. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and damage the heart, liver, and kidneys. A Yorkie with advanced dental disease is in pain — even if they are still eating. Dogs are masters at hiding mouth pain.
Signs your Yorkie may have dental problems
- Bad breath that does not improve with cleaning
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Brown or yellow tartar buildup on teeth
- Loose, broken, or missing teeth
- Dropping food, chewing on one side, or refusing to eat hard food
- Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face on the floor
- Swelling under the eye (may indicate a tooth root abscess)
- Irritability or snapping when touched near the mouth
What you can do at home
For a complete guide to maintaining your Yorkie's oral health, see our Yorkie dental care guide.
When professional dental treatment is needed
Most Yorkies will need at least one professional dental cleaning under anaesthesia during their lifetime — often more. This is not optional or cosmetic. A proper dental cleaning removes tartar below the gumline where brushing cannot reach, and allows the vet to extract diseased teeth that are causing chronic pain.
The cost of a dental procedure in South Africa typically ranges from R1,500 to R5,000 depending on the extent of work needed and whether extractions are required. This is a significant expense — and one that many owners do not anticipate when they first get a Yorkie.
Older Yorkies can still have beautiful, happy lives with the right care — including dental treatment. But we understand that the cost of ongoing veterinary care, especially for senior dogs with multiple health needs, can become overwhelming.
If an elderly owner, illness, financial pressure, or family change means a senior Yorkie can no longer be cared for safely, SA Yorkie Rescue can guide the family through a careful, rescue-led process.
Helping an elderly owner rehome a Yorkie →
Safe Yorkie rehoming in South Africa →