Why Anesthesia-Free Dental Cleanings Are Risky for Your Pet’s Health

As pet owners, we all want what’s best for our furry companions — including keeping their
teeth clean and healthy. Oral health is so important and is deeply connected to overall
health of your pet, as untreated dental disease can lead to pain, infection, and even impact
vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Not all dental cleanings are created equal. A growing number of services offer anesthesia free dental cleanings, which may sound safer and more affordable. However, according to the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO) and major veterinary organizations, these procedures are not only cosmetic and incomplete, but they can also pose serious health risks. 

Let’s break down what you need to know. 

What Counts as Veterinary Dentistry? 

Veterinary dentistry includes: 

• Scaling and polishing teeth 
• Cleaning below the gumline 
• Tooth extractions 
• Oral surgery 
• Periodontal therapy 

These procedures require a deep understanding of anatomy, anesthesia, pharmacology,  radiology, and pathology — training that only licensed veterinarians receive. That’s why in  Ontario, veterinary dental work is legally considered the practice of veterinary medicine and must be performed by a licensed vet or under their direct supervision. 

The Reality of Anesthesia-Free Dental Cleanings 

Anesthesia-free dental cleanings may improve the appearance of your pet’s teeth by removing visible tartar, but they don’t address what’s lurking beneath the gumline — where most dental disease begins. 

Here’s what really happens: 

• Pets are forcibly restrained while sharp instruments are used to scrape tartar from  the tooth surfaces. 
• The procedure does not include X-rays, below-the-gum cleaning, or a full oral  examination. 
• It’s purely cosmetic and does not treat disease.

In some cases, these cleanings are performed by individuals without veterinary training,  which is both dangerous and illegal in Ontario. 

Major Risks of Anesthesia-Free Cleanings 

Missed Disease Below the Gumline

Without general anesthesia, vets cannot take X-rays or examine beneath the  gumline — where abscesses, fractured teeth, tumors, and advanced periodontal  disease often hide.

Breakage

Can create small breaks in the enamel, which can impact the health of the tooth and speed up dental disease 

Pain, Stress & Injury

Holding an animal still while using sharp dental tools is not only stressful — it’s  dangerous. Pets may suffer cuts, chipped teeth, or become fearful of future  handling. 

False Sense of Security

Just because the teeth look clean doesn’t mean the mouth is healthy. Anesthesia free procedures can give pet owners a misleading sense that their pet’s dental needs are being met.

What Safe, Effective Veterinary Dental Care Looks Like 

Real veterinary dental care includes: 

• General anesthesia, ensuring your pet is safe, pain-free, and stress-free
• Full oral exam and digital dental X-rays 
• Thorough cleaning above and below the gumline 
• Tooth extractions or surgery, if needed 
• Pain management and follow-up care 

These procedures are performed in veterinary clinics using sterilized equipment and follow protocols set by trusted bodies like the AVMA, AAHA, and CVO. 

Legal & Ethical Standards in Ontario 

Under Ontario law: 

• Only licensed veterinarians can diagnose dental issues, perform extractions, or  develop treatment plans.
• Veterinary staff may assist, but only under direct supervision. 
• Any non-veterinarian providing dental services is practicing illegally
• Cleanings for companion animals must be done under general anesthesia using a cuffed endotracheal tube to protect their airways. 

The CVO also requires vets to maintain detailed medical records, obtain informed owner  consent, and ensure follow-up care is available after dental procedures.

What You Should Do 

• Choose a reputable veterinary clinic that offers anesthetic dental care.
• Ask about X-rays, pain management, and post-procedure monitoring.
• Avoid groomers or salons offering anesthesia-free dentals — they are not a substitute for proper veterinary care.

Protect your pet’s health — choose safe, thorough, vet-approved dental care. For more information, visit the College of Veterinarians of Ontario.