Mouthguards come in many different shapes and styles. They are very versatile and can be used for many different uses for people. In this guide I will discuss the different types of mouthguards available. I will also discuss the use of mouthguards, their application, and some of the risks and benefits that come with them. For example, I will talk about the history of mouthguards, how long they have existed and when they were introduced. Finally, I will discuss basic information and other topics about the product. Mouthguards have been around since the early 1800s. No one knows an exact date. The first to use mouthguards were boxers. In the 1800s, mouthguards were made from tape, cotton, sponges, and even small pieces of wood. Obviously, they weren't comfortable back then, but they were vital for sports and special procedures. Being such a new product there was no way to keep the protectors in your mouth. Since boxers and wrestlers used them, they had to keep them in their mouths by grinding and clenching their teeth. With the problem of holding the mouthguard in place, a British dentist named Woolf Krause, found a new solution in 1892. Made a rubber discharge called "gutta percha", this device passed over the teeth before they entered the ring. Then in 1921, during a championship fighting match, Krause's son, Phillip Krause, invented the first reusable mouthpiece. Oddly enough, there were also three other men who had made a mouthguard. Just like Krause, they too were dentists. Jaccob Marks had made one in 1916 which was used by Dinnie O'Leefe. Also, Thomas A. Carlos, an American dentist and E. Allen Franke, a dentist from Chicago but...... middle of paper ...... on hand and helpful in so many ways. References Swedberg, M. (January, 2013 13). [Mouthguard]. Retrieved from http://blog.summitolympus.com/the-history-of-the-mouthguard/Dental Health mouthguard. (2005). Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/mouth-guardsADA, ADA (2005). The importance of using mouthguards. Tips for Keeping Your Smile Safe, Retrieved from http://www.ada.org/sections/scienceandresearch/pdfs/patient_40.pdfADA, A. (2006, December). For the dental patient. Protecting Teeth with Mouthguards, 137, 1. Retrieved from http://www.ada.org/sections/scienceAndResearch/pdfs/patient_69.pdfKoup-Larsen, S. (2014, December). Why mouthguards are important. Retrieved from http://www.metrokids.com/MetroKids/February-2011/Why-Mouth-Guards-Matter/Robinson, Bird. (2012). Modern dental care. Santa Rosa, CA: Catherine Jackson.