A mouthguard is a protective device for the mouth that covers the teeth and gums to prevent and reduce injury to the teeth, arches, lips and gums. A mouthguard is most often used to prevent injury in contact sports.

Without the use of a Mouthguard in all contact sports the risk of dental injury is much higher and in a lot of cases teeth can be fratured so badly that they require extracion.

The exact origins of the mouthguard are unclear. Most evidence indicates that the concept of a mouthguard was initiated in the sport of boxing.

Originally, boxers fashioned rudimentary mouthguards out of cotton, tape, sponge, or small pieces of wood. Boxers clenched the material between their teeth. These boxers had a hard time focusing on the fight and clenching their teeth at the same time. Since these devices proved impractical, Woolf Krause, a British dentist, began to fashion mouthpieces for boxers in 1892. Krause placed strips of a natural rubber resin over the Upper Front Teeth of boxers before they entered the ring. Phillip Krause, Woolf Krause’s son, is often credited with the first reusable mouthpiece. Phillip Krause’s invention was highlighted in a 1921 championship fight between Jack Britton and isTed Kid Lewis. Lewis was a school friend of Krauses’ and the first professional to utilize the new technology, then called a ‘gum shield.’ During the fight, Britton’s manager successfully argued that the mouthpiece was an illegal advantage.

If you are thinking about participating in a contact sport such as Boxing it is strongley recommended that you visit your dentist to have a custom made guard that will provide the maximum protection from a dental injury.

Contact sara@creativesmiles to arrange an appointment for this today or alternatively call one of our reception team on 0289 618545.

A herbal remedy for toothache, used for centuries by a remote Incan tribe in the Amazon is being turned into a commercial treatment for dental pain. Francoise Barbira-Freedman, a medical anthropologist at Cambridge University, described how she discovered the remedy, which is derived from the rare Acmella oleracea plant, while visiting the tribe in the rainforest. She told the Today programme’s Justin Webb that while she was collecting data in the area, she began to have “excruciating pain” with her wisdom teeth and without access to a dentist. The local people gave her this “very effective” plant. She went on to say that despite being very grateful for the treatment she forgot about it until 20 years later and then got permission to bring the plant here. Dr Barbira-Freedman described how they have created a very effective gel which can be used as a “potent anaesthetic” saving people from having to get injections like those used in periodontal treatment. When asked about how the tribe will benefit from the product, she said that there is a very careful model of redistribution for the local people which will invest the royalties into education and conservation.