NFL player T.O. uses it. So does Adrian Peterson. So does professional golfer Hunter Mahan and professional baseball player David Ortiz. What am I talking about? Performance enhancing drugs? Nope. Try performance enhancing mouthguards.
Athletes lose approximately 5 million teeth every year making mouthpieces an essential piece of equipment for any sport. Mouthpieces may not only protect teeth and prevent concussions, but recent research shows some types may actually increase athletic performance. Read on for a review of mouthpieces and the science (or myth) behind performance enhancing mouthwear.
There are three types of mouth guards: Stock, Mouth-formed, and Custom-made
The stock mouthguard is available at most sporting good stores. It is the least expensive and is ready to be used without any further preparation. They are bulky, lack retention, and interfere with speech and breathing, making them the least acceptable among athletes.
Mouth-formed (also known as boil and bite) are the most common type of mouthguard and are the ones people are the most familiar. These are a step up from the stock type because they can adapt to the teeth. These are inexpensive and readily available, but, as with stock types, these may be ill-fitting and bulky, and may not offer optimal protection.
Custom-made mouthguards are the most satisfactory. They are made by a dentist, and offer the best adaptation, maximum retention, and increased stability and comfort.
Under Armour Performance Mouthwear
Bite Tech has recently partnered with Under Armour to take custom-made mouthguards one step further. Under Armour Performance Mouthwear claims to help athletes improve strength, endurance, and reaction time.
How does it work?
Stressful situations (including strenuous athletic activity) cause the body to release stress hormones. This causes clenching of the jaw which, in turn, releases more amounts of stress hormones. An overload of stress can affect the body in a negative way, leading to fatigue and decreased muscle building.
The Under Armour Performance Mouthwear prevents the teeth from clenching a places the jaw in a more relaxed position, which decreases the stress hormone levels. With less stress, the athlete can increase endurance, reduce fatigue, and increase muscle-building potential.
How it’s different than the Stock and Boil and Bite?
The Under Armour mouthguard is made by a dentist. It covers all of the teeth (upper for contact sports, lower for non-contact sports) and extends over the gums. It allows the jaw to be placed in a more relaxed position, which can cushion a blow that may have otherwise caused a concussion.
Will it really increase my athletic performance?
This is the million dollar question – is it science or myth? My answer – who cares! The positives: it’s comfortable and stylish. I think just because it’s has the Under Armour logo will mean more kids will wear it, meaning less injuries. The research shows it can reduce concussions, which is a huge plus. Even if it does nothing for athletic performance, just thinking it does can increase athletic performance on its own. My 1994 Air Jordan shoes definitely made me a better basketball player – same concept. Mind over matter. The only negative is probably the price, although they do give a team discount.
Summary
Any mouthguard is better than no mouthguard at all. With advancements in the fabrication process, Under Armour Mouthwear is more comfortable and offers superior protection to facial and teeth trauma. And, if it happens to make you run faster and jump higher, then that’s good too. I give it two thumbs up!
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