SWEET DREAMS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY A Good Night’s Sleep Can Boost Everyone’s Well-Being A well-rested family is a happy family, but when sleep is in short supply, moods can turn sour faster than a colicky baby in an airplane! Skimping on shut-eye doesn’t just make everyone cranky; it can take a serious toll on mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and emotional outbursts for kids and adults alike. But there’s no need to lose sleep because simple adjustments can ensure your family gets the rest they need. From setting consistent bedtimes to creating a relaxing wind-down routine, small changes can make a big difference in everyone’s mood and mental well-being.
How to Keep Dental Drama Out of Your Carry-On Beach, Breeze … and a Broken Filling?
Planning a vacation? Don’t forget to plan for your smile, too. There’s nothing like a broken tooth or lost filling to turn a relaxing getaway into a stressful scramble. But with a bit of prep and know-how, you can keep your trip on track even if something unexpected pops up. GET AHEAD OF IT. Most dental emergencies we see on vacation could have been avoided with a quick visit before takeoff. If you’ve had lingering tooth pain, a worn-down filling, or it’s been a while since your last cleaning, schedule a checkup before you pack your suitcase. Planning any major work like crowns? Keep in mind that temporary crowns usually stay on for 2–3 weeks, so they’re not always vacation-friendly. They can come loose, feel uncomfortable, or need adjustments, so it’s best to schedule that kind of care after your trip when possible. PACK A MINI DENTAL KIT. If you’re traveling somewhere where dental care is limited, or don’t want to spend a beach day in a dental chair, bring along a few basics. Dental wax can be a lifesaver for covering sharp edges from chipped teeth or poking wires. A mouthguard can also save the day from grinding your teeth in your sleep after a stressful day at the airport or during a rowdy game of water polo. Add some over-the-counter pain relief and you’ve got yourself a travel-size emergency kit. KNOW WHAT TO DO. Should something happen, first assess how serious it is to determine how fast you need professional treatment. Rinse with warm salt water to lower bacteria and inflammation. A cold compress can help manage swelling. If something breaks off, keep it in a sanitary container with milk or saline solution; this can make a big difference in saving it. Domestic travel makes it easier to find emergency dental care, but if you’re traveling internationally, options may be limited (another reason to prep beforehand). ENJOY YOUR VACATION WORRY-FREE. A quick appointment before your trip can save you hours of discomfort and keep your vacation stress-free. Call our office today to schedule your pre-vacation dental check-in. Your smile will thank you!
BUILD A SLEEP SCHEDULE FOR SUCCESS. As parents, you can set the tone for your family by creating effective sleep-ready routines that include consistent bedtimes and relaxing habits. When your children go to bed at the same time every night, it resets their body’s internal clocks, making it a habit to get enough rest. They will
naturally begin to get drowsy at this time and wake up with more energy from better, deeper sleep. Leading up to
bedtime, try out some calming activities like reading a book, putting on classical music, or lighting a lavender candle. If your children are old enough, they can try chamomile tea, which is known to help people go to sleep. Limiting screen time to an hour or two before bed is essential because the blue light on devices can keep the mind distracted and wound up, making it difficult to drift off. You can lead by example by putting your phone or tablet away in the evening. SNOOZE YOUR WAY TO HAPPINESS. Studies have found that children and parents who get adequate sleep function better, excel academically, and are in a better mood overall. As we snooze, our body is hard at work resetting our systems for the next day. Chronic insomnia gets in the way of those essential repair cycles, making emotional regulation and resilience hard to achieve. With a few small changes to your nighttime routine, you can turn your family’s restless nights into sound slumbers and wake up to a much happier and healthier home!
2 • WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
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