We seem to lead the league in common sense as well

[BPF]

http://ledger.southofboston.com/articles/2007/06/19/sports/sports04.txt

Interesting nugget from this article:
Samuel, currently embroiled in a contract dispute with the team, says in his endorsement that he had suffered three previous concussions but hasn’t had one in three years since using the Maher mouth guard.

http://blogs.charlotte.com/panthers/2007/08/scout-why-is-mo.html

Dr.Gerald Maher, featured in ESPN the magazine and a Tufts head and neck specialist who treats Patriot players has been summond to an NFL research project by Rodger Goodell. The problem is, they do not apprieciate the complexities Dr. Maher bases his procedure on.

An independent study seems to be the only way, unfortunate, because NFL team dentists could be easily trained in the procedure within days. Players like Morgan, Roethlisberger, Holdman, Cutler, Holmes should have a gripe with the union about not pressing for this corrective measure. By the way, the Patriots who wear it have the lowest concussion rate in the league, if anyone is counting, remember the team who has won three of the last six superbowls. They should all be fitted with the Maher mouth guard and concussion rates would drop to those of the Pats. www.mahercor.com

http://www.suwaneedental.com/sportsdentistry/maher.htm

Since 70% of concussions are jaw related every player should be wearing one of these.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Once again, the bro from Tufts University lead the world!

 

[shakadave]

Those of you who visit other teams' fan sites should spread this link there, to try to get a little momentum for this issue. Seems like a no-brainer that this invention helps!

 

[Patsfanin Philly]

By the way, the Patriots who wear it have the lowest concussion rate in the league, .

I've seen this statement repeated in many locations but I haven't seen a link to the statistics. I have no reason to doubt it but I'd like to see the raw data. Do you have a link?
In addition, in the interest of full disclosure, do you have any affiliation or link to the company?

 

[PatsSteve1]

I've seen this statement repeated in many locations but I haven't seen a link to the statistics. I have no reason to doubt it but I'd like to see the raw data. Do you have a link?
In addition, in the interest of full disclosure, do you have any affiliation or link to the company?

Google Dr.Gerald Maher. You'll find a bunch of stuff

 

[PatsSteve1]

Dr.Gerald Maher, featured in ESPN t...ke Maher's work because it's too complicated?

 

[Patsfanin Philly]

Google Dr.Gerald Maher. You'll find a bunch of stuff

I did, but I have yet to find the raw data that shows the Patriots have the least number of concussions. I have seen numerous reports/references citing the low concussion rate, but I have yet to see the actual article or press release by the NFL. Until then, it's just anecdotal.
While no one will dispute the benefits of mouthguards in preventing dental injuries, I don't think it's the complex nature of the TMJ or the mandible that is preventing the NFL from recommending it. I believe they probably want to see more research comparing the Maher mouthguard to others in peer-reviewed studies before mandating it league-wide. If it (Maher) proves superior, I'm sure that they will run with it but being the way the league is, they act in a very deliberate fashion.

 

[BPF]

I've seen this statement repeated in many locations but I haven't seen a link to the statistics. I have no reason to doubt it but I'd like to see the raw data. Do you have a link?
In addition, in the interest of full disclosure, do you have any affiliation or link to the company?

Not affiliated in any way with the company. I believe anything that can be done to protect players from concussions should be at the top of the NFL's to do list. Whether it be as simple as a mouthpiece or helmet design. This type of injury is not a minor nuisance, concussions can have serious long-term effects.

 

[Patsfanin Philly]

Not affiliated in any way with the company. I believe anything that can be done to protect players from concussions should be at the top of the NFL's to do list. Whether it be as simple as a mouthpiece or helmet design. This type of injury is not a minor nuisance, concussions can have serious long-term effects.

Absolutely, we're in agreement. The question is whether this device is better than the other mouthguards that are available.
I read through the dentist agreement for those dentists who would want to fabricate the device and there were clauses in there that caused me to raise an eyebrow and have concerns. It's available via a google search for anyone who wants to read it.
If it is as advertised, that 's great and let's make it mandatory BUT I think that the concern is as I posted earlier, getting solid scientific research to back it up and support any decision. That may be the crux of the NFL's reluctance but that's just my opinion.

 

[BPF]

Absolutely, we're in agreement. The question is whether this device is better than the other mouthguards that are available.
I read through the dentist agreement for those dentists who would want to fabricate the device and there were clauses in there that caused me to raise an eyebrow and have concerns. It's available via a google search for anyone who wants to read it.
If it is as advertised, that 's great and let's make it mandatory BUT I think that the concern is as I posted earlier, getting solid scientific research to back it up and support any decision. That may be the crux of the NFL's reluctance but that's just my opinion.

Here's the NFL's outline today:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2974501