The History of Mouthguards

This article explores the history of mouthguards, tracing their evolution from early gum shields in the 1890s to the modern designs used in sport today. Understanding how mouthguards developed helps athletes, schools, and clubs appreciate why fit, materials, and safety standards matter and why mouthguards remain a vital part of protecting players at every level of sport.

The history of the mouthguard is closely linked to the evolution of modern sport and player safety. Sporting equipment designed to protect against injury hasn’t always existed. Just as sports themselves have changed over time, so too have helmets, shin pads, shoulder pads and mouthguards.

Today, mouthguards are considered an indispensable piece of sports safety equipment, helping to reduce injuries to the teeth, mouth, and jaw. However, their journey began more than a century ago, long before safety standards and regulations became commonplace.

Mouthguards originated in London at the turn of the 20th century, before gaining widespread popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, as organised sport expanded and dental injuries became increasingly common.

The History of Mouthguards: The First Designs

A London dentist, Woolf Krause, developed the first mouthguard in 1890. Made from gutta-percha, it was known as a gum shield. At the time, lip lacerations were a frequent injury among boxers, and Krause’s invention was designed specifically to prevent them.

His son, Philip Krause, also a dentist and amateur boxer, refined the original design and went on to invent the first reusable mouthguard. This version made its debut in a 1921 championship fight between Jack Britton and Ted “Kid” Lewis, who wore the new mouthguard during the bout.

The innovation caused controversy, with some claiming Lewis had an unfair advantage. As a result, mouthguard sales briefly declined. However, by the late 1920s, mouthguards had become extremely popular among boxers in both the UK and the USA, driven by widespread issues with chipped and broken teeth.

Custom Fit and Widespread Adoption

In 1947, dentist Dr. Rodney O. Lilyquist began designing mouthguards to fit individual users. His early designs used acrylic resin, allowing mouthguards to be moulded over the upper and lower teeth.

This marked a major step forward, mouthguards became more comfortable, easier to wear, and more discreet, leading to rapid adoption among basketball and American football players. As these sports were highly visible in the USA, mouthguards gained significant exposure.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recognised the benefits of Lilyquist’s approach and began supporting and promoting the use of mouthguards as their popularity grew.

Regulation and Safety Standards

By the 1950s, mouthguards were widely used, prompting the ADA to conduct research and publish findings on their protective benefits. By the 1960s, mouthguards were formally recommended for all contact sports, and new regulations were introduced.

In 1962, mouthguards became mandatory for American high school football players, followed by compulsory use in American college basketball in 1973. In adult sports across the UK and USA, mouthguards were and continue to be strongly recommended, even where they are not legally required.

Modern Materials and Boil-and-Bite Technology

During the 1990s, advancements in materials led to the use of ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) dental plastic. High-temperature, pressure-laminated mouthguards offered improved impact absorption and durability.

As manufacturers experimented with thermoplastics, this innovation paved the way for the boil-and-bite method, allowing users to mould mouthguards at home for a secure and comfortable fit, a method now used in Game Guard gumshields.

Mouthguards in Sport Today

Today, mouthguards are a standard requirement in many sports. The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) mandates mouthguard use in sports such as American football, ice hockey, field hockey, and lacrosse.

According to the American Dental Association, mouthguards are extremely effective in preventing facial injuries in both contact and non-contact sports. The ADA recommends mouthguard use across 29 sports, including rugby football, martial arts, basketball, boxing, gymnastics, skateboarding, skiing, wrestling, and more.

At all levels of Gaelic football, mouthguards are mandatory, reflecting their recognised role in player safety.

For schools and clubs, understanding these regulations is a key part of to ensuring players are properly protected during training and competition.

Interested in how modern mouthguard design improves safety? Read our guide on how mouthguards protect your teeth and jaw.

Frequently Asked Questions

When were mouthguards first invented?

Mouthguards were first invented in 1890 by London dentist Woolf Krause. His early design, known as a gum shield, was created to protect boxers from lip and dental injuries.

What were early mouthguards made from?

Early mouthguards were made from gutta-percha, a natural rubber-like material. Later designs used acrylics before evolving into modern thermoplastics such as EVA.

Why did mouthguards become popular in sports?

As organised contact sports grew, dental injuries became increasingly common. Mouthguards proved effective in reducing damage to teeth, gums, and jaws, leading to widespread adoption across many sports.

How have mouthguards improved over time?

Modern mouthguards benefit from improved materials, better fit methods, and enhanced comfort. Today’s boil-and-bite mouthguards offer reliable protection while being easier to wear and maintain.

Are mouthguards still evolving today?

Yes. Ongoing research and testing continue to improve mouthguard design, comfort, and safety standards — particularly for children and young athletes in school and club sport.

Why the history of mouthguards still matters

Understanding the history of mouthguards helps explain why proper fit, quality materials, and safety standards are essential today — especially in schools and clubs where player protection and duty of care are paramount.