CarolinasDentist Blog

5 DIY Dental Fads You Should Avoid

Sunflower oil used for oil pulling in a small vial with a cork next to a yellow and orange sunflower-like flowers with green leaves

Maintaining your dental health at home goes beyond just daily brushing and flossing. While there are plenty of safe ways to freshen your breath and brighten up your smile, there are some popular DIY trends that can actually be dangerous for your teeth. We’ll describe five trends that you should avoid to protect your dental health!

  • Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient practice during which you swish coconut, sunflower, or sesame oil around your mouth for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Although it will supposedly clean and whiten your teeth and enhance your breath, it absolutely isn’t a proper substitute for traditional brushing and flossing, which are much more effective at accurately cleaning your teeth and gums.

  • Brushing with Charcoal

Many people claim that brushing with activated charcoal is a natural way to clean and whiten teeth. However, the American Dental Association has stated there is no evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of activated charcoal. Not only is activated charcoal abrasive and damaging to your enamel, but you also have to be careful that you’d be buying the right product because non-activated charcoal is toxic!

  • Rinsing with Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching ingredient found in many whitening products, but that doesn’t mean you should use it as a rinse by itself! When used alone, it is very irritating and damaging to your teeth and gums.

Closeup of a lemon cut in half resting on a yellow counter to be squeezed to brush someone's teeth with lemon juice

  • Brushing with Lemon Juice

Some people mix lemon juice with baking soda for an at-home whitener, but repeatedly exposing your teeth to the acid in lemon juice will actually dissolve your enamel and make your teeth more prone to discoloration!

  • Tooth Gems

Tooth gems are bright and colorful stones that some people stick on their teeth. They usually require strong and damaging adhesives that can easily destroy your enamel. It’s best to avoid putting adornments on your teeth, no matter how tempting it may be to decorate them. A naturally bright smile sparkles just fine on its own!

You don’t need to try dangerous and damaging dental fads to have a beautiful, bright smile. We offer a variety of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services at CarolinasDentist. Utilize our professional teeth whitening or dental veneers to safely whiten your smile! Contact our friendly team to schedule an appointment at one of our five locations across North Carolina.

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Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.

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