By Zelaine Estacio-Odle

A reflection on Dr. Burhenne’s vlog, microbiome-friendly oral care.

A Conversation Worth Having

I recently watched a thoughtful vlog by Dr. Mark Burhenne of Ask the Dentist (watch it here), where he explored a topic I’m very close to — the place of essential oils in toothpaste.

As the formulator of Pitch Black toothpaste, a gentle, non-foaming charcoal-based blend with essential oils, I really appreciated his balanced approach. Rather than dismissing or endorsing essential oils outright, he opened a meaningful conversation about what supports long-term oral health.

At the heart of his message is the importance of the oral microbiome — a diverse, delicate ecosystem of bacteria in the mouth that plays a vital role in everything from gum health and remineralisation to digestion and immunity.

“Essential oils are like antibiotics — they can’t tell the difference between the good guys and the bad guys.”

— Dr. Mark Burhenne

This made me reflect on the balance we must strike between cleansing and caring. Even natural ingredients, if overused or misunderstood, can shift that balance.

Dr. Burhenne raised a valuable point: essential oils, while beneficial in many ways, can have strong antimicrobial effects. If used in high concentrations or without supportive formulation, they may impact not only harmful bacteria, but also beneficial ones.

What stayed with me was the respectful tone of his message. It wasn't about creating fear around essential oils, but about encouraging thoughtful, informed choices.

For those of us with a holistic outlook, oral care is never just about clean teeth. It's part of a wider conversation around gut health, immune function, and energetic balance.

Just as we support our gut flora with mindful nutrition and fermented foods, our mouths benefit from oral routines that nourish rather than strip away.

In creating Pitch Black, I drew on this philosophy. The formula was never about sterilising the mouth. Instead, it’s designed to be:

💛 Mineral-rich, using bentonite clay to bind impurities

💛 Gently detoxifying, with fine activated charcoal to help remove buildup

💛 Botanically balanced, with low, well-considered amounts of peppermint and myrrh oils

Most importantly, Pitch Black has passed EU consumer safety assessments, giving our customers peace of mind about long-term use.

This episode encouraged me to pause and reflect on why I created Pitch Black in the first place. It affirmed the path I’ve taken — gentle, non-foaming, rooted in nature, and aware of the mouth-body connection.

It also reminded me that even well-intended products, if not carefully crafted, can work against the very balance we’re trying to protect.

If the vlog raised questions for you, or inspired curiosity around your current oral care, here are a few rituals that I love and often recommend:

Try This:

💛 Oil pulling once or twice a week with organic coconut or sesame oil

💛 Warm saltwater rinses to soothe gums and support mineral balance

💛 Choose a toothpaste like Pitch Black that honours your oral microbiome — and avoid rinsing with water immediately after brushing to allow active botanicals to do their work

These are small, gentle practices that contribute to a more holistic routine.

Can Essential Oils and the Oral Microbiome Coexist?

I believe they can. With the right intent, dosage, and supporting ingredients, essential oils can be allies especially when they're chosen for their soothing, not just antimicrobial, qualities.

At Pitch Black, we don’t use essential oils as a blunt tool. We see them as part of a broader formula that respects the wisdom of the body and the intelligence of the mouth.

If you’re exploring natural oral care, or simply curious about what belongs (and what doesn’t) in your daily toothpaste, this vlog is a wonderful watch.

It’s especially useful for:

💛 Those who value holistic, functional wellness

💛 Parents choosing mindful options for their families

💛 People transitioning away from fluoride-based products

💛 Anyone interested in the oral-gut connection

Dr. Burhenne and I may approach oral care from slightly different angles, but I think we’re aiming for the same thing, a strong, healthy mouth, supported naturally and sustainably. As well as encouraging a deeper understanding and respect for the body’s balance by making conscious choices.

If this topic stirred questions for you, please feel welcome to reach out. These are the conversations I love.

With gratitude, continue to be curious and holistic.