Jim Moreau, a neuromuscular dentist in Mandeville, has helped Saints players maintain balance, flexibility, more strength, endurance and stability.

The date with destiny came last fall when he received a call from the Saints organization to attend Saints camp. Anil Makkar, developer of the Pure Power Mouthguard, had met earlier with Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis and convinced him to get the players fitted for the device.

Several players now have them, although Jonathan Vilma had been using the PPM when he joined the team in 2008. Among team members using it are Roman Harper, who has a red one for his old team, the Crimson Tide; Anthony Hargrove, who told Moreau he even showers with it; Tracy Porter; Pierre Thomas and about 30 other players. Drew Brees did not change to it because Coach Sean Payton felt the one he has is working.

Dr. Jim Moreau shows the PPM mouth guards he fitted Saints players with. They will be wearing them tonight at the Super Bowl. (Courtesy Photo)

A number of other professional athletes, including Shaquille O’Neal, also use them.

What makes the PPM so special?

According to the firm’s web site, “The process of properly aligning the jaw position is based on the principles of neuro-muscular dentistry, which indicate that a “good” bite is achieved when the muscles of the face, jaw and neck are allowed to be at their most efficient state, which is a restful state.”

In order to ascertain the proper fit, tiny electric impulses relax neck and facial muscles and flush out toxins, Moreau said. The computers then track jaw movement to the millimeter to find the ideal jaw position for each individual. That position is then captured in dental impressions which were used as the basis for a final laminate mouthpiece precision-fitted to guide each player into ideal jaw positions.

Three days after the fittings, the black and gold PPMs were ready for delivery to the team.

Does Moreau think the PPM had anything to do with the Super Bowl trip?

“Of course, any athlete achieves their goal through and because of talent, hard work, determination and character,” Moreau said. “The technology does help the individual perform at a higher level.”

He said that it’s fun to watch the players and see who is wearing the high tech PPM and then compare their performance to what sports commentators say about their performance.

“They’re making plays and they’re ready when the opportunity presents for them to step up and make a difference,” he said.

Moreau said that 93 percent of the pain in the body is caused by muscles. Half of the nerves in the brain come from the lower third of the face.

When the facial muscles are relaxed, the pressure on the ears, necks, shoulders are also relaxed and the body is more aligned and relaxed.

In addition to the Saints, other teams in the NFL also have the PPM, including, unfortunately eight of the Colts players. He said two or three other teams have them including the Seattle Seahawks and the Tennessee Titans.

The PPM is also used for other purposes, including TMJ.

Moreau is one of only 300 dentists worldwide, and the only one in the New Orleans area, certified in the technology of the Pure Power Mouthguard, or PPM, developed by Dr. Anil Makkar, president and founder of Makkar Advantage.