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There are two types of Hockey Players, those who wear their mouth guard, and those who eat through a straw.

Anonymous

If you’re a sports-minded individual, the odds are good that you at least know what a mouth guard is, or have even worn one yourself.

While the primary purpose of mouth guards in the mind of the populace is to protect those involved in active sports from having their teeth smashed out of their mouth, there are other reasons that Mouth Guards are worn as well.

On Mouth Guard Day we celebrate these wonderful inventions and the beautiful smiles they’ve served and protected throughout the years.

How to Celebrate Mouth Guard Day

Celebrating Mouth Guard Day isn’t difficult, but it can serve as an excellent reminder to get yourself a new mouth guard if you haven’t replaced yours in a while.

Are you an active sportsperson who hasn’t been using a mouth guard as a standard part of your hobby?

Do you grind your teeth in your sleep and didn’t know there was something you could do about it? Pick up the phone and call your dentist and see about making an appointment to see if a mouth guard is right for you.

History of Mouth Guard Day

The origin of the mouth guard may very well be lost to history, but what is known is that boxing is likely the home of this creation. It’s worth noting that doesn’t narrow things down very much, as pugilism has been a popular sport for hundreds or even thousands of years.

Throughout the years everything from resin and tape to wood and leather have been used to help protect these fighters teeth.

It was in 1892 that one Woolf Krause, a dentist from Britain, invented a mouth guard made from gutta-percha, a natural resin. The only issue with this mouthguard is that it had to be reapplied every fight and was not reusable.

Krause’s son, Phillip, took his father’s invention a step further and created a reusable version that would become the standard in designs for decades. Mouth guards have been a standard piece of sports equipment ever since those days, and remain one of the most critical parts of any sports-person’s kit.

As the technology advanced, they found more and more uses for this technology, including their serving to help those with a tendency to grind their teeth from damaging their teeth in their sleep.

Mouthguard Day FAQs

Did medieval knights wear anything like mouthguards?

Medieval knights didn’t use mouthguards, but their helmets often included a visor to protect their faces during combat.

While not specifically for teeth, this face protection served a similar purpose by guarding against blows that could damage the jaw or teeth.

What’s the most expensive mouthguard ever made?

A luxury mouthguard made for boxer Floyd Mayweather included gold, diamonds, and a built-in breathing channel. It reportedly cost $25,000, combining practicality with extravagance for one of the world’s richest athletes.

How are mouthguards used in animal sports?

Some equestrian sports use custom guards to protect horses’ teeth from bridle pressure. These guards help prevent injuries during intense competition, showing that mouth protection isn’t just for humans.

Are mouthguards featured in popular media?

Yes! In many sports movies, mouthguards appear as symbols of determination or intensity. For example, the custom designs worn by boxers in films like Creed add realism and personality to the characters.

What’s the weirdest material ever used for a mouthguard?

In the early 1900s, people experimented with rubber and resin for homemade mouthguards.

Some even tried wax-coated cloth, which offered little protection but showed early innovation in oral safety.

Do any superheroes wear mouthguards?

While not common, Batman’s armor in The Dark Knight includes reinforced plating around the jaw, similar to a built-in mouthguard. This design emphasizes protection for both his face and teeth in combat.

What’s the funniest misconception about mouthguards?

Some believe mouthguards can straighten crooked teeth, but that’s false. Only braces or orthodontic treatments can achieve that. This myth likely stems from how snugly mouthguards fit.

Can mouthguards have artistic designs?

Yes, athletes often personalize mouthguards with wild colors, logos, or even glow-in-the-dark features. Rugby players and boxers use them as a way to show off individuality while staying protected.

What role do mouthguards play in space?

Astronauts sometimes use bite guards during space missions. These protect their teeth from grinding caused by stress or changes in pressure while in orbit.

Have any athletes ever refused to wear a mouthguard?

Some athletes avoided mouthguards in the past, thinking they restricted breathing or communication. However, modern designs solve these issues, making refusal rare in professional sports today.

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