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Best Summertime Dental Habits

summer dental habits, smiling family on the beach in summer

Summer brings sunshine, road trips, pool days—and more sugar and snacking than you might think. From frozen treats to late-night s’mores, it’s easy to let your usual dental routine slip. At CarolinasDentist, with 14 locations across North Carolina, we want to help you enjoy the season while keeping your smile healthy and strong. Here are some of the best dental habits to stick with this summer (and a few new ones to try).

Stay Hydrated—It Helps More Than You Think

Staying hydrated in the heat is great for your body—but it’s just as important for your mouth. Water helps wash away food particles, reduces acid buildup, and keeps your mouth from drying out.

Dry mouth can increase your risk for cavities, so sip water throughout the day, especially after snacks or sugary drinks.

Be Smart About Summer Snacks

Chips, candy, juice boxes, and sports drinks are everywhere during summer activities. While convenient, they can also be tough on your teeth. Try swapping sticky or sugary snacks with crunchy fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, or celery.

If you do indulge, follow it up with a rinse of water—or better yet, brush when you can.

Don’t Skip Your Dental Routine (Even on Vacation)

When routines change, dental habits can fall through the cracks. It’s easy to skip brushing after a long day at the beach or while traveling. But brushing twice a day and flossing daily still matter, even when you’re out of office mode.

Pack a travel toothbrush and floss picks to make staying on track simple—even at a campsite or hotel.

Protect Your Smile During Summer Sports

Whether it’s baseball, soccer, or a pickup game at the park, dental injuries can happen fast. A custom-fit mouthguard can help protect teeth from chips, cracks, or worse. At CarolinasDentist, we can create one tailored for comfort and effectiveness.

Don’t forget—bikes and scooters count too. Helmets help protect your head, but a fall can still damage teeth. A mouthguard adds an extra layer of protection that’s worth the small effort.

Schedule a Back-to-School or Post-Trip Checkup

Summer is the perfect time to catch up on checkups—especially before school or college starts again. Whether it’s your child’s six-month visit or your own overdue cleaning, getting it on the calendar now means one less thing to worry about later.

Summer Dental Habits With CarolinasDentist Across North Carolina

At CarolinasDentist, with offices across 14 locations in North Carolina, our team makes it easy to keep your smile healthy all summer long. Whether you’re looking for a quick checkup, professional cleaning, or advice on travel-friendly dental tools, we’ve got you covered.

Schedule your summer appointment today and head into the season feeling confident about your oral health. From beach days to backyard BBQs, we’ll help you protect your smile—wherever summer takes you.

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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.