APRIL 2006
Mouthpiece used in football may also have a place in the performing arts, acrobats,
figure skating & gymnastics
In 1980, Dr.Gerald Maher, a Weymouth dentist who specializes in jaw structure and facial pain, developed a mouthpiece for prize-fighters to wear to help prevent concussion. The theory behind the idea is that the mouthpiece minimizes the shock from being hit in the jaw. Maher adapted the mouthpiece for use in football and has filed for a patent. Although the mouthpiece has not had a formal study to determine its effectiveness (Dr.Maher has applied for a grant to do just this), the Duxbury High School football team used them last season and suffered no concussions. Previously, many of the players had suffered concussions, several more two or more times. A number of major league players, as well as players from other sports such as basketball, have purchased the mouthpieces. There have been no concussions among players wearing them.

"Maher's mouthpieces are designed on the principle that keeping an athlete's jawbone and temporal mandibular joint properly aligned absorbs the force of blows that would otherwise literally rattle their skulls and cause a concussion. The most susceptible position, he argues, is when the mouth is tightly closed. Then, the force of a blow can travel unobstructed up the jawbone and into the skull. Helmets protect against concussions and other injuries caused by blows to the crown of the head, but their chin straps keep players' jaws in precisely the position that Maher argues puts them at risk. His mouthpieces separate the jawbone from the joint slightly, helping to absorb the blows. They also fit tightly over the bottom row of teeth, letting football players talk to each other." - Boston Globe*

No performing artist has as yet signed on, but the mouthpiece looks very promising for performing artists involved in acrobatics and certain kinds of dance as well as allied athletes in skating and gymnastics.

Mahercor Laboratories

IntellHealth - April 15, 2006 - discusses the medical aspects and what a concussion is.

* Boston Globe Article - March 30, 2006 - discusses the origin and sociology.