Mouthguard Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Annually, Mouthguard Day is observed on the first Monday of September. This year’s celebration will take place on September 4. If you enjoy sports and participate in them, you undoubtedly know what mouthguards, also known as gumshields, are and may even wear them. Although the primary function of mouthguards is to prevent athletes from striking out their teeth, there are additional reasons why caps are worn. On Mouthguard Day, we honour these marvellous inventions and the gorgeous smiles they have served and safeguarded for decades.

The background of Mouthguard Day

Certainly, protective sports apparatus was not always available. Helmets, thigh guards, backpacks, and mouth guards have evolved, as has the sport itself. Today, however, the mouthguard is essential as a component of sports equipment protection, preventing harm to the mouth and jaw. Between 1950 and 1960, the mouthguard acquired popularity in America.

The design and manufacture of mouthguards have vastly improved over the years. Woolf Krause, a dentist from London, invented the first mouth shields in 1890. It was dubbed a ‘Gum Shield’ and was made from a substance known as ‘gutta-percha.’ It was designed expressly for boxers to prevent cracked lips, which was a common injury in sports at the time. His son, Philip Krause, a dentist and amateur boxer, refined his father’s design and began manufacturing a Vella rubber mouthguard. By 1927, gum shields were widely utilised by American boxers. Rodney O. Lilliquist, a dentist from Los Angeles, used clear acrylic resin to create the first acrylic splint in 1947. The kappa was shaped to suit the upper and lower teeth, making it much less noticeable and more comfortable to wear.

Mouthguard Day, which was established by OPRO in 2018, is observed on the first Monday of September to coincide with the beginning of the academic year and the new sports season. Dr. Anthony Lovat, a dentist, founded OPRO after observing children lose teeth while practising sports due to inadequate equipment or lack of protection.

DAY OF MOUTHGUARD ACTIVITIES

Obtain a replacement retainer

Since when have you not replaced the kappa? Not an issue. Mouthguard Day is an excellent occasion to purchase a new one!

Visit the physician.

Do you experience discomfort while using the retainer and are unsure if this is normal? Call your dentist for instructions on using a kappa.

Explore the dental museum.

Mouthguard Day is an excellent time to visit the dental museum. You will be able to observe with your own eyes the consequences of neglecting dental hygiene.

5 teeth-related facts that will blow your mind

Almost 96% of the enamel is composed of minerals, and sure, it is harder than bone; however, it can be damaged by metal and glass.

In a moist environment, this can result in the accumulation of microorganisms and their suppuration.

Was introduced 30 years before the toothbrush, in 1908.

The Romans utilised advanced dental technology for their time period.

According to a study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 57% of people say that a stranger’s smile makes them want to smile and can brighten their day.

MOUTHGUARD DAY DATES