I wouldn’t mess with a dental pick, if the tartar build up is that bad, the dog needs a professional cleaning. This is not a DIY project.
Those “no anesthesia” dentals that groomers offer are cosmetic…they don’t address issues like infection. Most of the trouble is lurking under the gums and root area, you can’t see it, but the vet can when he has the dog under, then he can do extractions as necessary and take care of things he couldn’t if the dog was awake.
Youtube has some excellent “how to brush your dog’s teeth” videos. Once he has a professional cleaning and you start daily brushings, he should be all set for quite a while.
