How do you keep your dog’s teeth clean and when should I have my dog’s teeth cleaned by a vet?

My dogs are raw fed and generally need very little in the way of teeth cleaning. The raw food and bones they consume work as a natural toothbrush. They also chew on raw meaty bones for recreation and this also helps. I don't give really hard bones like you get at the pet store, but bones from my butcher that are raw and soft enough the dog can actually chew. I throw them away each day because they dry out and get very hard and could crack or break teeth.

It's not age dependant, but more about the condition of your dog's teeth, gums, tartar buildup, etc. My older Malinois will be 14 in a few weeks and he just had his teeth cleaned for the first time this year. He's no longer able to digest the edible bone he's eaten his whole life so cleaning was warranted. Kibble-fed dogs often need more regular dental cleaning but it varies from dog to dog.

Genetics and diet play a big role in how often a dog's teeth need cleaning, I would inspect his teeth and gums regularly as part of your regular grooming and handling routine and ask your vet about this. Some owners brush their dog's teeth every day as well and I know many vets recommend this.