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Games to Promote Kids’ Oral Health at Home

good oral health, dental hygiene for kids, oral health games, kids dental care, promoting oral hygiene, fun dental activities, teaching kids oral health

Teaching kids about good oral health can be a fun and engaging experience. By incorporating games and activities, you can make dental hygiene enjoyable and help establish lifelong habits. At CarolinasDentist in North Carolina, we believe that learning about oral health should be exciting for kids. Here are some creative games to promote good oral health at home.

    1. Tooth Brushing Chart Race

    Create a colorful tooth brushing chart and turn it into a race. Each time your child brushes their teeth correctly, they get to place a sticker on the chart. Set goals and rewards for reaching certain milestones. This not only makes brushing fun but also encourages consistency and proper technique.

    2. Plaque Attack Game

    Use a dry-erase board to draw a large tooth and cover it with washable marker “plaque.” Give your child a toothbrush and time them to see how quickly they can clean off all the plaque. This game demonstrates the importance of brushing thoroughly and the effectiveness of brushing in removing plaque.

    3. Healthy Food Hunt

    Go on a “healthy food hunt” in your kitchen. Have your child find foods that are good for their teeth, such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, and yogurt. Discuss why these foods are beneficial and how they help maintain healthy teeth. This game reinforces the connection between diet and oral health.

    4. Flossing Fun With Playdough

    Create “teeth” out of white playdough and use colored yarn to represent food stuck between the teeth. Show your child how to use floss to remove the “food” from the playdough teeth. This hands-on activity helps kids understand the importance of flossing and the correct technique to use.

    5. Storytime With Tooth-friendly Tales

    Read books about dental health and tooth-friendly habits. Choose stories that feature characters who take care of their teeth and visit the dentist. Engaging stories can help children relate to the characters and understand the importance of good oral hygiene in a fun way.

    6. Role-Playing Dentist Visits

    Set up a mini dental clinic at home where your child can role-play being a dentist and a patient. Use a toy dental kit and let them practice examining and “treating” their stuffed animals or dolls. This game can reduce anxiety about dental visits and familiarize them with the process in a fun, non-threatening manner.

Family Dentistry at CarolinasDentist in North Carolina

At CarolinasDentist, we are committed to helping families in North Carolina maintain excellent oral health. By incorporating these fun and educational games into your daily routine, you can encourage your children to develop and maintain good oral hygiene habits. Our team is here to provide guidance and support to ensure your child’s dental health is on the right track.

If you have any questions or need more tips on promoting oral health for your kids, don’t hesitate to contact CarolinasDentist. Schedule a pediatric visit to one of our North Carolina locations today and let us help you keep your family smiling bright.

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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.