Getting the right bite for sports

New mouthguard also has other health benefits

Comox Valley Echo

On the golf course or on the slopes, the perfect bite has the power to significantly improve athletic performance, according to Comox dentist Dr. Phil Nasralla.

While the pros are already on top of the latest in neuromuscular dentistry, which aims to correct overbites by aligning the muscles and jaw, Nasralla said he saw a place for the Pure Power Mouthguard (PPM) in the Comox Valley.

"I see it fitting in just about anywhere. It could benefit anyone at any level. It doesn't matter your ability or sport," said Nasralla, who has practised in the Valley for nearly 15 years.

Developed by Canadian dentist Dr. Anil Makkar, Nasralla said the PPM catered to athletes who wanted to excel in strength, balance, speed and flexibility, but it was also beneficial for people experiencing physical strain at work and at play.

"It's been researched immensely by physical trainers and they are just blown away by the results they get because it's instantaneous. It's not like you put it in your mouth, wear it for a month and then you start seeing improvements. It's instantaneous," he said.

"But the great thing is it's not just for sport, you can also use it in your occupation."

The revolutionary mouthguard could also help alleviate migraines and headaches caused by muscle/jaw tension, Nasralla said.

Complete alignment, he explained, allowed for increased oxygen flow and core strength by lessening upper body stress, mainly in the head, neck and jaw muscles.

"When your bite is off, your whole body is stressed and your upper body is stealing energy from your lower body to try and compensate and that causes weakness and a lack of balance," he said, simplifying the science behind the complex technology.

With about 80-90 per cent of the population with imperfect bites, Nasralla said a simple test determined whether a patient would benefit from the orthodic.

"If we determine that the person will benefit we have to connect them to a computer that measures muscle activity both in rest and in activity and then we find the optimum position and send the information to the laboratory," he said.

"This is already taking off in leaps and bounds and it's just going to go exponential very soon. If anyone wants to improve their game, in sports or at work, this is the best and fastest way to do it."

Those interested in the technology can contact Nasralla at 250-339-2252 visit www.drphilthedentist.com www.thepurepowermouthguard.com for more information.

© Comox Valley Echo 2008