Mouthguards aren’t a new invention. They’ve been protecting athletes since the early 20th century. Like most protective sports equipment—helmets, shin guards, shoulder pads, and body protectors—they’ve evolved over time.
Today, we have game-changing innovations like the Instant Custom-Fit, which molds to the shape of your teeth at home in minutes. More recently, the Prevent Instrumented Mouthguard (iMG) by OPRO incorporates cutting-edge technology to monitor head impacts. But where did it all begin?
The Early 20th Century – London
The mouthguard’s journey to becoming a sports essential began in London at the turn of the 20th century. In 1890, London-based dentist Woolf Krause created the first mouthguard, which he called a "gum shield"—a term still used interchangeably with "mouthguard" in the UK today. Krause crafted it using gutta-percha, a latex rubber derived from gutta-percha tree sap.
The 1920s: Boxing and Early Controversy
Krause designed the first mouthguards for boxers. In the late 1800s, fighters would clench pieces of wood, wool, tape, or sponge between their teeth for protection—but this made it difficult to concentrate. Krause wanted to develop a better way to prevent lip lacerations. With the help of his son, who was both a dentist and an amateur boxer, he refined the design over the years.
His son later invented the first reusable mouthguard, which made its debut in a championship fight between Jack Britton and Ted “Kid” Lewis in 1921. The new equipment sparked controversy, with some arguing that Lewis had an unfair advantage. As a result, mouthguards saw a temporary decline in use. However, by the late 1920s, they had regained popularity in both the UK and the U.S., especially as chipped teeth became a growing concern in the boxing community.
The 1940s: Custom-Fitted Protection
In 1947, Los Angeles dentist Rodney O. Lilyquist began designing mouthguards that could be fitted to individual users. Using an acrylic resin, he created the first custom-molded mouthguard, which fit over both upper and lower teeth. These improvements made mouthguards more comfortable, easier to wear, and less noticeable—leading to a surge in popularity among basketball and American football players.
Since these were major sports in the U.S., Lilyquist’s invention gained widespread attention. Mouthguards became so popular that the Journal of the American Dental Association highlighted his method.
The 1950s: A Growing Movement
By the 1950s, mouthguards had gained enough recognition that the American Dental Association (ADA) began researching their benefits and educating the public on their importance.
By the 1960s, the ADA formally recommended the use of mouthguards in all contact sports and helped introduce new safety regulations.
The 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s: Mandatory Use in U.S. Schools
- 1962 – Mouthguards became mandatory for all American high school football players.
- 1973 – The same rule was enforced in college basketball.
For adult sports in both the U.S. and the UK, mouthguards were highly recommended—but not required. However, given the high-contact nature of sports like rugby and MMA, it’s surprising that they weren’t made compulsory.
The 1990s: Advanced Materials and the Rise of Boil-and-Bite
The 1990s saw the introduction of new mouthguard technology. High-heat and pressure-laminated mouthguards made from ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) dental plastic became the gold standard. Many companies also began experimenting with thermoplastics, which led to the development of the boil-and-bite mouthguards found in today’s self-fit range.
The 21st Century: The Future of Mouthguards
Technological advancements are revolutionizing every aspect of sports equipment—and mouthguards are no exception.
One of the most significant innovations is the Prevent Instrumented Mouthguard (iMG) by OPRO. This groundbreaking device monitors head impacts and alerts medical staff when a player needs to be assessed. In cases of suspected concussion, immediate intervention can help prevent further injury.
This data is transmitted in real-time to a computer monitored by medical personnel, allowing them to make informed decisions about a player’s safety. What started as a device for protecting teeth has now evolved into a tool for preventing long-term brain injuries.
OPRO: Leading the Way in Mouthguard Innovation
At OPRO, we’re proud to protect athletes at all levels—from beginners to professionals. Our work in mouthguard innovation earned us the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation in 2019.
To learn more about Prevent Biometrics & OPRO and explore our full range of protection options, visit our website today.