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Mouth Guard Improves Performance, Reduces Headaches

The Pen Test (Added: November 20, 2009)

NBC 4 anchors and reporters perform a simple test that can simulate the effects of a device that improves athletic ability. (more)

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Mouth Guard Improves Performance, Reduces Headaches

The secret to running faster and building your endurance could be in your mouth.

By NBC4i Staff
Published: November 20, 2009

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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The secret to running faster and building your endurance could lie within your mouth.

NBC 4 gets answers on how it works.

World-class athletes are turning to a new mouth guard to improve their performance. It's call the Pure Power Mouthguard or PPM.

Sports-lover Sean Harper has one and can now spend more time on the basketball court.

"I'm able to play a lot longer than before. I can play with younger guys and keep up with them a lot more," Harper said.

Dr. Michael Firouzian with the Center for Family & Cosmetic Dentistry explained that when a person wears a PPM it aligns the jaw in the most relaxed position, which then aligns the neck vertebrae into the best position.

"It allows the body to assume a better posture, which helps with stamina, with range of motion, with strength and with better oxygen intake," Firouzian said.

Firouzian fits his patients with PPMs by using a jaw tracker. Magnetic sensors help find the most relaxed position of the jaw, and a mold is made of the teeth in that position.

The PPM isn't only for athletes. A smaller version can be used to help get rid of jaw pain and headaches. The athletic version runs for about $2,000. The non-athletic version sells for about $5,000.