CarolinasDentist Blog

Mouth-Healthy Habits to Start in the New Year

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Do you want to improve your dental health this year? There are many healthy habits you can start on today! Here are our top five recommendations:

  1. Brush for 2 Minutes Each Time

    2. You may brush your teeth twice every day, but are you brushing long enough? We recommend brushing your teeth for two minutes each time, which is 30 seconds for each quadrant of your mouth. Invest in an electric toothbrush that has a built-in timer or set a timer on your phone to be sure you brush long enough with your manual brush. (We also recommend brushing your tongue at the end of each brushing session.)

  2. Floss Every Day

    3. While you may think brushing is good enough, brushing can’t reach the spaces between your teeth and under your gums. Flossing cleans away plaque and food particles in these areas, which is critical for preventing gum disease. If you regularly skip flossing, try to make flossing a daily habit this year.

  3. Drink More Water

    4. Drinking enough water is beneficial for both your dental health and your overall health. Water helps prevent bad breath, dry mouth, and the buildup of plaque and tartar by washing food debris off your teeth and allowing for the production of saliva. Staying hydrated will also improve your energy level, mental focus, and digestion.

  4. Eat a Balanced Diet

    5. Fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and lean meats contain mouth-healthy vitamins and minerals like calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and more. This year, take a look at your diet and see how you can make it healthier for your teeth. If you eat or drink a lot of sugar, this is a good year to cut back and consume more healthful meals, beverages, and snacks.

  5. Schedule Routine Visits to CarolinasDentist!

    6. Most patients need a dental cleaning and exam every six months. During these appointments, we remove plaque and tartar, check for problems like cavities and gum disease, and perform oral cancer screenings. Remember to schedule two cleanings and exams this year!

    We’re proud to offer comprehensive dental services, including preventive dentistry, restorative dentistry, cosmetic treatments, emergency care, and more at our many locations across North Carolina. Please contact us today with questions or to schedule your appointment.

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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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