Understanding the PPM 'Mechanics'
Really, a mouth guard can do all that?
It seems odd that a simple mouth guard can make that much difference in your overall fitness level. While it may appear somewhat unconventional, it makes complete logical sense. Dr. Westersund: "When the muscles in your face aren't straining to keep your neck, head and back aligned, they can focus their energy into other areas".
A large percentage of the adult population have TMJ issues, when your facial muscles are strained and tense, Dr. Westersund says. "When the mouth guard is used, it instantly finds the proper bite, relaxing the upper facial muscles. Then your body is performing at its absolute peak - effortlessly and proficiently."
The Basic Science of Mouthguards
If you don't wear a mouthguard, a blow to the lower face sends shock waves through your skull. A direct impact can fracture the front teeth, however other blows, particularly to the lower jaw, can cause other damage.
A blow to the lower jaw can slam the jaws together, and the sudden impact of the fairly sharp lower teeth into the back of the upper teeth is like a chisel, causing a fracture of the upper teeth and punches them forwards.
In some cases, the transmitted forces can lead to a fracture of the lower jaw, or will travel through the jaw joint (TMJ) into the base of the skull causing a concussion.
Mouth guards act like a shock absorber, both spreading the force over a larger area, and increasing the time for the peak force to occur. Dissipating the energy of the blow over a larger area and longer time reduces its effect, and prevents, or vastly reduces any injury.
Get in the game - right.
When your jaw is at ease, all the pressures are off your head and neck muscles. Your jaw is in its most relaxed position, resulting in your body accomplishing the work it is designed for. This newfound strength and balance can all go into striking a ball more accurately, running quicker and finally winning your tennis match.
When your body isn't working in its most efficient form, it quickly leads to fatigue, a decrease in your strength and incorrect imbalance. Your physical capabilities are being completely compromised! Literally, as soon as you bite down on the mouth guard, you will experience a complete increase in your energy level and stamina.
Now try this. Place your little fingers, pads forward, in your ear canals, and pull gently forward. Open and close your teeth. Do you feel any clicking, popping or grinding? If you do - there might be a problem.
Your TMJ – How to Locate it
TMJ stands for: “Temporomandibular Joint.” This is your jaw joint. Place your finger just in front of the middle of your ear and right under your cheekbone. Now open and close your jaw. Can you feel the movement of the jaw joint against your skull? That’s your TMJ, the point where your lower jaw attaches to the skull. Because of the stress placed on the TMJ, a variety of symptoms may develop, such as headaches, tingling in your fingers and back of your hand, and pain in your neck or shoulders.
The PPM (Pure Power Mouthguard) is not an average mouth guard.
This expertly calculated mouth guard is remarkable in its design; created with a scientific purpose and form. By helping to properly align your muscles, you will experience improved muscle management and vertebrae positioning - all resulting in an increase of your core muscle strength and balance. Your other mouth guard doesn't do all that!
In addition, there are two central designs in the guard. Depending on which activity you participate in, an option will be recommended to you. Dr. Westersund offers a Contact Sport game day orthotic or a Training and Non-Contact orthotic.
So, in the end . . .
the answer is yes. Yes, a mouth guard really can improve all areas of your sport and fitness. Yes, a mouth guard really can do all that. Find out how it can help you!
