Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Jon Gruden, when he's not being a schmo on ESPN, was actually a mouthpiece for these mouthpieces during the Saints-Falcons game Monday:
The company, Makkar Advantage, is keeping details somewhat secretive, but we do know the the inventor of the PPM's, Dr. Anil Makkar, has been in New Orleans this weekend and has been in contact with Dr. Moreau regarding the details of our work with the Saints. Dr. Makkar was also meeting with Monday Night Football Analyst John Gruden to fit him for a PPM....

The mouthguards can be easily ID'd by the distinctive oval shaped "PPM" logo on the front of them. Most are either black or gold, a few are clear (usually for the lower teeth), and one notable exception was the crimson colored one I suggested for my fellow Alabama alum, Roman Harper.
What's the big whoop about these mouthpieces?
Through the science of neuromuscular dentistry, we use precise technology to help the jaw relax and find the natural bite that is most comfortable and relaxed. When the jaw is in a happy place, this frees up the channels for full communication along the spinal cord and to the brain without the nagging interruptions and signals coming from those significant nerves and muscles around the lower part of the face and jaw. The brain is free to signal equally to heart, lungs, and other organs, and it brings proper alignment throughout the core, leading to greater strength, flexibility and balance.

This seems pretty simplistic, but has been proven to result in improved overall strength, conditioning and performance for athletes. The PPM orthotic mouthguard holds the wearer's bite in the position that has been scientifically determined to be the happiest place for their teeth and jaws to rest and relax. A simple pen test, when placed in the mouth to simulate a neuromuscular position, can instantly demonstrate to a person the kind of difference a PPM mouthguard can make.
Frankly, I'd be a bit suspicious of having one Dr. Moreau wiring me up with electrodes, but hey, I'm not the one who's got the 7-0 record on my shoulders - or in my jaw, for that matter.

Big thanks to brenyb for the dentistry links.

I'll reserve my Saints' socks post for a later date...

5 comments:

saintseester said...

Phrases like "when your teeth are in their happy place" cause me great concern about the speaker. LOL.

Leigh C. said...

Yeah, I thought that was a hoot, myself. I suffer from bruxism...I think MY teeth are in desperate need of a happy place...then I could get a PPM and suddenly, my life would be LOADS better.

Anonymous said...

This MORA technology was developed in the 80’s in Boston and used on the N.E. Patriots for over two decades. Makker stumbled on the idea apparently. The difference is, they cost $2k and have no history in contact sport. Maher mouth guards are covered by some insurers for the prevention of concussion and cost between $200-$450. The Academy of Sport Dentistry has supported all efforts to reduce concussion, not strength enhancement like PPM or Under Armour. http://www.mahercor.com has more articles on this.

Leigh C. said...

MORA? Hah! It seems mouthpieces are destined to be tied to the Saints in one way or another.

And if the PPMs are strength enhancing but not concussion-reducing, I guess that'd make 'em the mouthpiece steroids of sport dentistry.

rakeback said...

I'm surprised that Gruden just signed a contract extension with ESPN, because I thin most people predicted he would be headed back to the sidelines next year.