Quite ironic for Charles Barkley to risk his health when in the media after surviving a decade-and-a-half-long NBA career. Yep, the picture-perfect smile of the former NBA star, which many viewers might be fans of, does not come without extensive care. It seems, however, Chuck is taking extreme measures with his oral hygiene. At least that’s what Ernie Johnson believes and surprisingly, medical science backs this concern to some extent.

Appearing on The Steam Room, Johnson and Barkley got to discussing a list by the 11x NBA All-Star on which he had his peroxide mouthwash. “Make sure I get my peroxide… Need that now… I soak my teeth in peroxide. I put peroxide in my mouth twice a day just to keep it clean,” Barkley said, leaving Ernie Johnson concerned if it’s advisable to use peroxide twice a day.

Ernie even asked if the former Philadelphia 76ers star had taken the advice of a dentist on this, before confirming if it was the brown bottle Chuck was using. “Yes, of course I am,” Barkley replied. Johnson’s response? Further concern and disappointment, what it seemed from his tone. “Oh, my gosh. Chuckster.”

Charles Barkley, however, tried explaining he uses the bottle as a mouthwash before he brushes his teeth, twice a day. Well, it’s true that Hydrogen peroxide is often used to whiten teeth, heal mouth ulcers, and soothe sores in the throat. While some use it in the paste form, mixing it with baking soda, some use it in liquid form as a mouthwash like Chuck.

However, Johnson’s concern wasn’t misplaced.

According to MedicineNet, prolonged or high-concentration peroxide use can damage tooth enamel. Worse, it may lead to sensitivity, cavities, gum irritation, and even tooth loss.

The risks don’t stop there. Without proper guidance, peroxide use could cause nerve damage or, in extreme cases, increase the risk of oral cancer. Maybe it’s time for Charles Barkley to rethink his routine—or at least consult a dentist—before his peroxide habit lands him in trouble. This, however, is still not the weirdest thing Chuck has done to his mouth, at least in Johnson’s opinion.

The time when Charles Barkley grossed out Johnson Ernie with his one move

Charles Barkley never fails to serve up memorable moments, but one from TNT’s Inside the NBA in 2022 might have been unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. Picture this: Barkley, in the middle of an episode, casually licks his eyeglasses and wipes them clean, as if it’s the most normal thing ever. Grossed out yet? You’re not alone—his colleague Ernie Johnson certainly was.

“That’s how I clean my glasses,” Barkley explained, brushing off the collective shock of the crew. Can you imagine Ernie’s face at that moment? “Come on, Chuck. That’s not how you’re supposed to clean your glasses,” Ernie shot back. But leave it to Charles Barkley to come up with a defense only he could deliver.

“I need to be able to see, man. It’s more important for me to see than worry about hygiene,” the 11x All Star said. But considering the extent of risk he’s taking for his oral hygiene with hydrogen peroxide, it does not seem he actually meant what he said.