Here are 5 toothpaste ingredients I personally avoid as a dentist (and what to look for instead) 🪥✨ 1) Charcoal (Activated Charcoal) Charcoal can be too abrasive, especially with frequent use. That abrasiveness can wear down enamel over time, make teeth more sensitive, and sometimes make teeth look “whiter” only because it’s stripping surface stains (and potentially enamel) — not truly strengthening your teeth. ✅ Instead: a fluoride toothpaste + gentle whitening (peroxide-based) if you want stain lifting. 2) SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) SLS is the “foaming agent.” The issue isn’t that it’s toxic for most people — it’s that it can be irritating. If you’re prone to canker sores or have sensitive oral tissues, SLS may make flare-ups more likely. ✅ Instead: “SLS-free” toothpaste if you get frequent canker sores or mouth irritation. 3) Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) Used to make toothpaste look bright white/opaque. It doesn’t improve your dental health — it’s mainly a cosmetic coloring agent. Som...