Daily brushing, once a day after the evening meal can help big time. However, often there is a genetic component so they end up needing extractions at a young age.
My peke had most of his teeth extracted at the age of 5 despite daily brushing, he is 16 now and still loves to eat.
I presoak his kibble in water overnight in the fridg and add some chopped up cooked lean meat/chicken, scrambled egg, something to it.
They adjust just fine, continue daily brushing.
I like Petrodex 6.2 oz tube from chewy.com and a medium adult brush. My younger dog lets me use a battery operated electric toothbrush on him, less work for me.
No matter what you do, most dogs will need at least one or two professional cleanings per lifetime.
Oh, and those additives and chews don’t do much, if anything, they are breath fresheners at best.
I have an 8 year old that has not required a cleaning yet.
PS: You have to brush the back and sides/inside area that’s where the tartar tends to build up. See YouTube for “how to” videos.
