Night Guards and Athletic Mouth Guards in West Chester
Do you ever notice yourself clenching your jaw together while you’re working on an important task? Or have you ever realized you’ve been grinding your teeth unintentionally while doing something stressful?
Most of us tend to grind our teeth when we’re concentrating intently or feeling under some type of pressure. Chronic teeth grinding known as “bruxism” in dentistry, is a common problem that causes painful symptoms like headaches and neck pain. Unfortunately, when we grind our teeth—a habit called “bruxing”—we create abnormal wear and tear on our teeth and problems with the TMJ or temporomandibular joint.
If the uncomfortable symptoms of bruxism disrupt your life, call our West Chester, OH dentist, Dr. Joel R. Koch, today at (513) 779-2200. A customized mouth guard made using impressions of your teeth can reduce grinding and its symptoms, and in turn protect your smile and reduce your discomfort.
- Why do I grind my teeth?
- What are the symptoms of teeth grinding?
- How can a mouth guard protect my smile?
- Why is it important to wear a mouth guard while I play sports?
- How often do I need to wear my mouth guard?
Why do I grind my teeth?
Teeth grinding can be difficult to treat because it has a wide range of causes. Different stressors or lifestyle factors can lead to a tendency to grind, so the best first step is to schedule a dental exam with Dr. Koch.
During a consultation for teeth grinding in West Chester, Dr. Koch will talk to you about your symptoms and evaluate your teeth, jaw, and dental bite to determine why you’re grinding your teeth. In many cases, we find that chronic teeth grinding is a result of:
- Muscle tension
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Misaligned dental bite
- Injury or trauma to the TMJ
Because each of these causes presents itself differently and has its own related symptoms to treat, we will always approach your situation in the best way for you. For example, crooked or crowded teeth may also be causing you additional pain or making it hard to brush and floss your teeth effectively.
Similarly, a misaligned bite is a problem because your teeth may not meet evenly on both sides of your mouth when you bite down. This places excessive force on one side of your mouth and can lead to overuse and eventual tooth breakage.
You may also clench or grind the teeth on the affected side of your mouth. This puts pressure on your jaw joint and teeth that were never meant to absorb that kind of force can break down or become worn, and may be why you experience headaches and neck pain.
When we diagnose and treat your bruxism and grinding, we will also make recommendations on treating these types of root-cause conditions. For crooked teeth, adult braces or Invisalign may be the answer. If you struggle with muscle tension, we might suggest cold or hot compresses, jaw exercises, or even BOTOX® injections to treat the underlying problems.
At the dental office of Dr. Joel R. Koch, we want to treat both your teeth grinding and related oral health problems and symptoms. By comprehensively approaching your dental treatment, we give you the best chance at staying healthy and pain-free for the long-term.
What are the symptoms of teeth grinding?
Whether done consciously or not, bruxism and teeth grinding will lead to both pain and cosmetic and structural damage to your smile. When your mouth undergoes unnecessary, constant pressure and force, that force will take its toll on your teeth and jaw muscles.
We treat patients for bruxism-related pain in West Chester, OH. Common specific symptoms of teeth grinding and clenching include:
- Tired, stiff, and “locked” jaw muscles
- Increased headaches and facial tenderness
- Pain that radiates along the jaw and into the ear
- Visible cracks and breaks in the teeth
- Teeth that look short and worn
- Waking in the morning with headache or jaw pain
Because teeth grinding can occur while you’re asleep, you may not even realize you’re doing it until your West Chester dentist diagnosis the condition. Once you become aware of your clenching and grinding, it’s crucial to seek treatment right away so you can preserve and protect your teeth.
How can a mouth guard protect my smile?
Once you’ve established that teeth grinding is harming your oral health, it’s time to take action and find relief from your symptoms.
Here at the dental office of Dr. Joel Koch, we offer custom mouth guards so our patients can protect their beautiful smiles. Whether you need a mouth guard for sleeping, daytime use, or specifically for sports, we have you covered!
You will wear your custom mouth guard over your teeth, much like a retainer or teeth whitening tray. Because the guard surrounds your teeth in thick, durable plastic, it prevents your teeth from touching when grinding and protects your tooth enamel.
Why is it important to wear a mouth guard while I play sports?
Sports are a fun, popular way to socialize and stay in shape. Contact sports, however, do naturally increase your risk of sustaining a dental injury. Tooth emergencies are all too common when people play sports without using a mouth guard, which is why you should always protect yourself with a custom athletic mouth guard whenever you can.
Because dental trauma is often linked to sports we offer personalized sports mouthguards at our West Chester dental office as an easy way to avoid tooth injuries and the costly dental treatment needed to repair them. 
Whether you need a mouth guard for yourself or for a child who plays sports, we can create a perfect dental appliance that’s just right for covering and safeguarding your smile. Since we customize our guards using impressions we take of your teeth, they are far superior to the generic versions you can purchase over the counter. Our sports guards consist of a much sturdier material, and the result is super protection for you and your children.
How often do I need to wear my mouth guard?
Whether your mouth guard is for sports or a night guard to protect your teeth from grinding while you sleep, you’ll see better results the more often you wear it. You should, of course, wear your athletic mouth guard every time you play a contact sport, and we recommend wearing your traditional mouth guard every night and potentially during the day as well, depending on Dr. Koch’s specific evaluations.
You will also need to replace your mouth guard periodically to give your teeth the best protection. Over time, your bite will wear down the thermoplastic material and leave it thinner, weaker, and potentially even with some holes. When you notice visible signs of wear on your West Chester mouth guard, it’s time for a new one.
Get Fitted for Your New Custom Mouth Guard Today
Now that you understand more about teeth clenching and grinding, as well as athletic dental injuries, it’s time to get fitted for your very own mouth guard. Our dentist in 45241 is accepting new patients and can meet with you in the coming weeks to evaluate your smile and create a treatment plan to address your pain and underlying issues causing your bruxism.
To get started or learn more about dental mouth guards in West Chester, give us a call today at (513) 779-2200.
Protect Your Teeth Around the Clock With Night Guards & Athletic Mouth Guards
A nightguard is an essential preventive dental measure for people who grind their teeth. Mouthguards protect smiles from sports accidents.
Damage Prevention
A night guard dramatically reduces or eliminates the enamel wear, jaw pain, and headaches caused by chronic grinding or bruxism.
Shield During Sports
Athletic mouthguards reduce the risk of accidental damage to teeth and the soft tissues surrounding them during physical activities.
Custom Comfort
Mouthguards are custom-designed specifically for each patient’s mouth, ensuring optimal comfort in addition to effective protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Physical activity is an integral part of a child’s development, and many children enjoy participating in sports or other activities. While kids need to stay healthy through physical exercise, certain sports can make them susceptible to dental injuries. That’s why the dental office of Dr. Joel R. Koch recommends athletic mouthguards for children who play contact sports.
What Are the Benefits of Athletic Mouthguards?
When we customize an athletic mouthguard for your child, they can expect the following benefits:
Less likelihood of injury – With an athletic mouthguard, your child’s teeth will be protected and less likely to sustain an injury.
Protection for more than just teeth – Your child’s athletic mouthguard will protect their gums, tongue, lips, and other soft tissues from injury.
No reduced airflow – Because your child’s athletic mouthguard is designed to fit their mouth, it won’t slip or potentially block their airflow.
Decreased dental work – Dental injuries can lead to lengthy dental treatments, so investing in an athletic mouthguard could eliminate the need for future dental visits.
Versatility – Our custom athletic mouthguards keep your child safe while participating in various activities, including hockey, basketball, football, wrestling, mountain biking, or skateboarding.
Considering Athletic Mouthguards in West Chester?
If you have a child who plays a contact sport or participates in other activities requiring an athletic mouthguard, contact our dental office for more information. We want to help preserve your child’s oral health, so call us today at (513) 779-2200.
If you clench your jaw or grind your teeth, you may suffer from a medical condition known as bruxism. Bruxism is common and can occur during the day or while you’re asleep. Many people don’t even realize they have bruxism until they begin to show symptoms.
So, is there a treatment for bruxism? Keep reading to learn more about nightguards from your West Chester dentist.
What Is a Nightguard?
Grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw can damage the enamel and structure of your teeth. This can lead to cavities and sensitivity. Because of this, your dentist may recommend a custom nightguard.
A custom nightguard looks like a teeth whitening tray that sits snugly on your teeth to protect them from clenching and grinding. Although this occlusal splint doesn’t keep you from clenching or grinding your teeth, it will cushion your teeth from the damage it can cause.
If you have headaches, jaw pain, or tooth damage due to bruxism, a custom nightguard might be a good option.
Do You Need a Nightguard in West Chester, OH?
If you would like to speak with a dental team member about bruxism or custom nightguards, we are ready to take your call! At the dental office of Joel R. Koch, we want to help you preserve your teeth for a lifetime. You can reach us at (513) 779-2200 for more information.
Sports are a great way to stay in shape and socialize with friends. However, if you have a child who plays sports or enjoys activities that could result in a mouth injury, you can protect them with an athletic mouthguard from the dental office of Dr. Joel R. Koch. So, what is an athletic mouthguard, and who should wear one? Keep reading to learn more.
What Is an Athletic Mouthguard?
Our West Chester dental office can take impressions of your child’s teeth and customize an athletic mouthguard to help them avoid dental injuries while they’re playing contact sports or enjoying other activities. Your child will wear the athletic mouthguard over their top row of teeth to prevent them from cutting their lips and tongue or breaking their teeth.
Our customized athletic mouthguards are far superior to any generic mouthguards you can purchase because they are made from a sturdier material for added protection. Many parents consider custom mouthguards a necessary piece of athletic equipment for their child.
Do You Need Athletic Mouthguards in West Chester, OH?
Whether your child is involved in football, soccer, hockey, baseball, skateboarding, or any other physical activity that could result in a mouth injury, consider a custom mouthguard from the dental office of Dr. Joel R. Koch. You can reach us by calling (513) 779-2200.
We look forward to your call.
When you clench your jaw or grind your teeth, whether you know it or not, it’s a common medical condition known as bruxism. There are many causes of bruxism, including stress or other lifestyle factors. So, if bruxism is affecting your life, there is hope. A custom nightguard from the dental office of Dr. Joel R. Koch can help you reclaim your life and your health. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of wearing a nightguard.
The Benefits of a Nightguard
A custom nightguard can improve your health and your life in the following ways:
Prevents Tooth Damage
A nightguard keeps your top and bottom teeth from coming into contact with each other, keeping your enamel intact and protecting your dental fillings.
Reduces Jaw Pain
If you clench your jaw when you sleep, your temporomandibular joint is strained. A nightguard can relax your jaw joint and reduce your pain.
Prevents Headaches
Grinding your teeth can cause headaches, so a nightguard prevents the headaches associated with bruxism.
Improves Sleep
Your custom nightguard will allow you to relax your jaw muscles, which can potentially help you sleep better.
Prevents Snoring
Wearing a custom nightguard can keep your teeth from touching and allow you to breathe better, which can also prevent you from snoring.
Saves Money
You could save money on future dental procedures with a nightguard to protect your teeth.
Are You Interested in a Nightguard in West Chester, OH?
If you need more information about bruxism or custom nightguards, the dental team of Dr. Joel R. Koch is ready to take your call! We can help alleviate your bruxism symptoms and improve your oral and overall health. You can contact us at (513) 779-2200.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
If you have a child who plays contact sports, you know they need specific equipment to protect them from injury, right? Although helmets and other sports equipment are standard, athletic mouthguards are not always deemed essential. However, considering the number of sports-related dental injuries, a custom athletic mouthguard is important to your child’s oral health.
If you’re wondering how to obtain an athletic mouthguard for your child, keep reading to learn more.
How Can I Get an Athletic Mouthguard?
Once you realize the importance of athletic mouthguards, you may be wondering how and where to purchase one. Although over-the-counter mouthguards are available, they aren’t customized to your child’s mouth. We take impressions of your child’s teeth to create a sturdy athletic mouthguard that offers the best protection possible.
If you want to have your child fitted for an athletic mouthguard, our dental office is accepting new patients and would love to create a treatment plan to protect their teeth and mouth from dental injuries.
Do You Have Questions about Athletic Mouthguards in West Chester, OH?
If you need more information about getting an athletic mouthguard for your child, please contact a dental team member at the office of Dr. Joel R. Koch. Your child’s oral health and safety are our top priorities, so contact us at (513) 779-2200 today!
Meet Our Doctor:
Joel R. Koch, DDS
Dr. Joel Koch loves working with people. It was this love that guided him to spend his life working in the dental field. Dr. Koch enjoys all aspects of dentistry, from getting to know patients on a personal level to the stimulating challenges that a complex case presents.
Along with his team, Dr. Koch works hard to help his patients feel comfortable while providing exceptional, thorough care. He has spent the past 30 years giving his patients the oral health and beautiful smiles they deserve and looks forward to many more ...
Featured Blog Posts - Night Guards and Athletic Mouth Guards
Can I Use a Sports Guard as a Nightguard for Teeth Grinding?
No, you shouldn’t use your sports mouthguard for teeth grinding or your nightguard to protect your teeth during gameplay. These are two different oral appliances that fit and function differently.
Oral appliance therapy addresses the following issues despite differing fabrication and intent:
- Nightguard: Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism)
- Nightguard: TMJ pain and discomfort
- Mouthguard: Sports protection
For example, a sports mouthguard used for teeth grinding may be bulky in the mouth, causing sore lips upon waking. Your nightguard has a slimmer fit for sleeping and the added ability to prevent the upper and ...
Beyond Bruxism: The Benefits of Nightguards in Protecting Your Teeth
Oftentimes, mouthguards (or "nightguards") are associated with the prevention of teeth grinding, or bruxism. It's worth noting, however, that their functionality extends far beyond this singular role.
These custom-made oral devices provide significant protection against a variety of dental issues and injuries, ensuring the longevity and health of a wearer's teeth. Let's delve into mouthguards' benefits for safeguarding oral health!
Protection Against Bruxism and TMJ Disorders:
Mouthguards serve as a frontline defense against the damaging effects of bruxism, a condition characterized by excessive teeth grinding and jaw clenching that can profoundly and ...