Dental Cleaning for Pomeranians: When to Start and How Often?

Many Pomeranian owners ask us: “When should I get my Pom’s teeth cleaned, and how often?” This is a crucial question, because oral health doesn’t just eliminate bad breath—it directly impacts your Pom’s lifespan.

Why dental cleaning matters for Pomeranians

Tartar buildup doesn’t just yellow your Pom’s teeth and cause bad breath. It leads to gingivitis and periodontal disease—serious infections that shorten your dog’s life. Based on our hands-on experience at the kennel, oral health accounts for 30% of the factors that determine whether your Pom lives a long, healthy life.

When your Pom’s teeth are healthy and clean, they eat with gusto, enjoy every meal, and absorb nutrients better. On the flip side, thick tartar weakens the tooth roots. Teeth become loose and fall out early—making it hard for your Pom to eat and causing overall health decline.

When to start checking your Pom’s teeth

Pomeranians over 1 year old need regular attention to tartar. Don’t just glance at the front teeth—you have to lift the lips and check the molars deep inside to see the real extent of buildup.

At a minimum, inspect your Pom’s teeth every 6 months. If you see yellow plaque or thick tartar, schedule a cleaning right away. The thicker the tartar, the harder it is to remove, and the more damage it does to the tooth roots.

Real-world example: Cleaning 28 Pomeranians at our kennel

Last time, we cleaned our dogs’ teeth in February. By September—just 7 months later—we noticed tartar had built up again on many of them. This round, we decided to clean all 28 Poms.

Ten of them are calm and cooperative, so we sent them to a pet spa that cleans teeth without anesthesia. The other 18 are more difficult—too rowdy or a bit snappy—so we had a veterinarian come to the kennel to administer light sedation, ensuring the dogs stayed safe during the procedure.

Pregnant dogs, nursing mothers, and those whose teeth weren’t heavily affected last time were skipped for now. We’ll wait for a better time.

Two ways to clean your Pom’s teeth

There are two main methods for removing tartar from Pomeranians:

• Option 1 — Pet spa: No anesthesia required, suitable for calm, cooperative dogs. However, if your Pom is too rowdy or aggressive, the spa will turn you away.
• Option 2 — Veterinarian with sedation: For difficult dogs, heavy tartar, or Poms who fear strangers, have a vet come to your home to administer light sedation. The cleaning will be easier, safer, and more thorough.

After the cleaning, your Pomeranian can eat normally right away. You don’t need to worry about pain or difficulty eating.

Tartar buildup varies from dog to dog

The speed of tartar accumulation depends heavily on each dog’s individual biology—just like in people. Some Poms barely show any buildup after a year, while others develop thick tartar in just 3–4 months.

That’s why checking every 6 months is essential. You’ll learn which group your Pom falls into and adjust the cleaning schedule accordingly.

Can tiny Pomeranians get dental cleanings?

Absolutely. At our kennel, adult Poms weighing just over 1 kg (2.2 lb) get their teeth cleaned safely and routinely. As long as your Pom is healthy and doesn’t have severe respiratory issues, dental cleaning isn’t limited by size.

When you should NOT clean your Pom’s teeth

There’s one group that absolutely should not undergo standard dental cleaning: Poms with brachycephalic airway syndrome—flat noses, short soft palates, breathing difficulties. Both pet spas and veterinarians are extremely cautious or will refuse these dogs because the risk of choking or respiratory distress during the procedure is very high.

We strongly advise against owning Poms with severe respiratory problems. They face challenges not just with dental care but with many other health complications.

Real comparison: Two littermates, two dental fates

We have two Pom brothers from the same litter, same parents, both 5 years old—but their teeth tell completely different stories.

Kobe has been with us since he was 6 months old. Over the years, he’s received consistent dental care and regular cleanings. The result: Kobe’s teeth are nearly intact and strong.

Kody—Kobe’s littermate—only came to us this past February. Before that, he didn’t receive proper dental care. The result is heartbreaking: at 5 years old, he’s lost most of his teeth and looks like a senior dog.

This is the clearest proof of how critical regular dental cleaning is to your Pomeranian’s lifespan and quality of life.

Many Pom owners still don’t know about this

After years of working with clients, we’ve found that many Pomeranian owners—even some breeders with multiple dogs—still don’t know about or don’t prioritize tartar removal. Some want to save money. Others think, “My dog seems fine.”

But the truth is: by the time you see obvious symptoms—your Pom refusing food, losing teeth, swollen gums—it’s too late. Prevention is always better than treatment, and with dental health, this couldn’t be more true.

Final advice from Bánh Bò Pomeranian

If your Pom is over 1 year old and has never had a thorough dental checkup, make time to do it this week. Lift your Pom’s lips and look closely at the molars deep inside. If you see yellowing or plaque, don’t delay.

Check every 6 months, clean once a year if needed—it’s a small investment that pays huge dividends for your Pom’s long-term health. Remember: 30% of your Pom’s lifespan is right there in those teeth.

Need specific advice about your Pomeranian’s dental health, or want to schedule a routine checkup? Chat with us on WhatsApp for personalized support. We’re always happy to share our A-to-Z experience caring for Poms.