looking for ? When it comes to dental whitening products (and many other things), people often make the mistake of assuming that simply because it’s “natural” or derived from an “organic” source that it is somehow “safe.” Salicylate – a natural plant-based hormone derived from white willow and meadowsweet – has been used for centuries for its anti-septic and fever-reducing properties, but it can be harmful in large doses, and even fatal to those who are allergic to it. Dental products such as salicylate free toothpaste and dental whitening products are safer and more appropriate to such individuals.

Using Dental Care Products

Those who are sensitive to salicylic acid – the source of salicylate – will be glad to know that there is an abundance of dental whitening products available that is free of this substance.

The fact is that no matter how conscientiously one takes care of his or her oral hygiene, and not matter how many dental health products one uses, teeth become stained over time. Usually, this is due to consumption of tea or coffee, but can also be caused by many other factors:

- Tobacco use

- Disease or illness

- Medications (especially tetracycline or doxycycline)

- Aging

- Genetics

- Environmental factors (i.e., fluoridation)

- Trauma or injury

- Chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments

Fortunately, there are many different that can be used to restore teeth to their natural whiteness. Before going on to safe personal care products such as salicylate free toothpaste and dental whitening products, it’s helpful to understand some of the other dental care products on the market and why they may not be the best choice.

Commercial Dental Health Products – Options

Virtually all of the dental products out there that manufacturers claim will help to whiten teeth use peroxide as a bleaching agent and salicylic acid for its cleansing properties. Salicylic acid is also used in many cosmetics for cleansing and exfoliating the skin. There are two problems with most of these dental care products:

- Most “over-the-counter” tooth whitening products simply don’t work.

- Salicylates are toxic in large amounts; it is known to cause transient hearing loss in people with zinc deficiencies, Reye’s Syndrome in fetuses and can make skin more susceptible to sun damage.

Dentists can provide effective alternatives; while some of these also employ peroxide, there are also veneers that can be applied over discolored teeth as well as laser procedures. There are also other dental whitening products for home use that are salicylate-free and work quite well in restoring one’s natural smile. Your dentist can advise you as to the kind of dental whitening products are best for you.