Mouthguard Day

Mouthguard Day is celebrated every year on the first Monday of September. The observance highlights the importance of mouthguards in sports, dental safety, and everyday oral health. A mouthguard is more than a piece of sports equipment: it can help protect teeth, gums, lips, and jaws from injuries during contact and high-impact activities.

History of Mouthguard Day

Mouthguard Day was established by OPRO in 2018 to raise awareness about the importance of mouth protection. The date falls at the start of September, when many students return to school and begin a new season of sports and physical activities.

The history of mouthguards goes back much further. Early modern mouthguards are often linked to Woolf Krause, a London dentist who made gum shields for boxers in the late 19th century. His son, Philip Krause, later improved the design and helped make mouthguards more practical for athletes. In the 20th century, new materials and better dental techniques made mouthguards more comfortable, durable, and widely used.

Interesting Facts About Mouthguard Day

• Mouthguards are commonly used in contact sports such as boxing, rugby, hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, and American football.
• They can help reduce the risk of broken teeth, cuts to the lips and gums, and other mouth injuries.
• Mouthguards are not used only in sports. Dentists may also recommend night guards for people who grind or clench their teeth.
• Custom-fitted mouthguards are usually made by dental professionals and are designed to fit a person’s teeth more closely than standard store-bought versions.

How to Take Part in Mouthguard Day

Mouthguard Day is a good time to think about oral safety, especially for athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone who takes part in contact or high-impact sports. You can check whether your mouthguard still fits properly, replace an old or damaged one, or speak with a dentist about the best type of protection for your needs.

You can also use the day to encourage young athletes to wear mouthguards during training and competition, share basic dental safety tips, or schedule a dental checkup. A small piece of protective equipment can make a big difference when it comes to preventing painful and expensive injuries.

When Is Mouthguard Day in 2026?

Mouthguard Day is observed on the first Monday of September each year.

Observations