CarolinasDentist Blog

Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene While Traveling

2 hard-sided suitcases next to a leather overnight bag in a living room packed to go on a trip

Traveling can be both an exciting and stressful experience. It’s important to not neglect your oral hygiene while away from home. Follow these simple tips to help you maintain good oral health wherever your travels take you!

Pack Your Oral Hygiene Supplies

If space is an issue, pack travel-sized toothpaste, a foldable toothbrush, a floss pick, and travel-sized mouthwash. Otherwise, pack your regular oral hygiene tools, such as a normal-sized toothpaste tube, electric toothbrush and charger, and water flosser.

In your bag of oral hygiene supplies, use a travel case or toothbrush cover to protect your toothbrush bristles from coming into contact with other items in your luggage. When possible, let your toothbrush air out so it can dry. A chronically damp toothbrush encourages bacterial growth.

Airplanes

While air travel can make oral hygiene challenging, it’s still possible to maintain a clean mouth while flying. Pack a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste and container of floss in your carry-on bag for easy access in the airport restroom during your layover or after a long flight.

Long Car Trips

Be sure to drink plenty of water on a car trip, even if it means you’ll be making more frequent stops at restroom facilities. Keep your oral hygiene kit handy with your overnight bag so you can easily find it when you stop to sleep. Having dental floss or interdental picks in the glovebox will allow you to easily remove food particles that get stuck between your teeth when eating on the road.

On-the-Go

Some people like to cram as much as they can into their trip. Chewing sugar-free gum is a quick and easy way to freshen your breath and stimulate saliva production if your trip is fast-paced with a jam-packed schedule. Saliva production can neutralize harmful acids and give you temporary relief from bad breath and that sticky feeling in your mouth until you can brush.

Schedule a Dental Appointment Before You Leave

Before embarking on your next trip, consider scheduling a dental appointment at one of our many CarolinasDentists locations to address any existing dental conditions. Doing so can reduce your risk of experiencing certain dental emergencies during travel, such as a toothache, infection, or broken restoration. Contact us today to schedule an 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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