Athletes belonging to the national pool, especially those in combat sports, will soon find themselves wearing the same type of mouth guard being used by Manny Pacquiao.
The Philippine Sports Commission has tapped California-based Dr. Ed dela Vega, who provides all Filipino boxers fighting in the US with mouth guards, to share his expertise with the RP athletes.
Dela Vega yesterday made an audio-visual presentation of the latest technology in creating the special type of mouth guard that is customized and personalized according to different needs.
National coaches, who were present during the presentation along with PSC chairman Butch Ramirez and some NSA (national sports associations), were impressed.
“Boxers need a different type of mouth guard than basketball players, volleyball players or those in taekwondo, wushu or karate. There’s a special need for every athlete,” said Dela Vega.
Dela Vega, the first Filipino ever to sit in the board of the California Board of Dental Examiners, said the mouth guard, which he produces, would greatly reduce risks of injuries.
“This is not the boil-and-bite type of mouth guard. This is now the type of mouth guard that is being required of athletes in the US. For some, athletes cannot enter the ring or the court without this,” he said.
Pacquiao has worn this type of mouth guard since he fought Erik Morales for the first time in 2005. Since then, the famous boxer has never gone up the ring without it.
For one of his recent fights, Pacquiao used a red-white-and-blue mouth guard.
“Manny liked this one because when he smiles at his opponent, what his opponent sees is the Philippine flag,” said Dela Vega, adding that even those in non-combat sports should wear one.
Others who are using the mouth guard produced by Dela Vega are Boom Boom Bautista, Brian Viloria, Z Gorres, Abe Concepcion, Cesar Amonsot, and new world champion Nonito Donaire.