HealthymouthTM Feline Anti-Plaque Water Additive Clinical Trial Background
Background: Gum Disease in Cats
The cause of gum disease is the same in cats as it is in people. Gum disease is an infection resulting from build-up of soft dental plaque on the surfaces of the teeth around the gums. The bacteria in dental plaque irritates the gum tissue if plaque is allowed to accumulate, which often leads to infection in the bone surrounding the teeth.
Hard dental tartar (calculus) consists of calcium salts from saliva deposited on plaque. Tartar starts to form within a few days on a tooth surface that is not kept clean, and provides a rough surface that enhances further plaque accumulation. Once it has begun to grow in thickness, tartar is difficult to remove without dental instruments.
Bad breath is the most common effect noted by owners. However, this is often only the tip of the iceberg. The gums become irritated, leading to bleeding and oral pain and the cat may lose its appetite or drop food from its mouth while eating. The roots may become so severely affected that some teeth become loose and fall out. Bacteria surrounding the roots gain access to the blood stream ('bacteremia").
The key to management of gum disease (for humans or cats is prevention. As long as the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned frequently, the gums will stay healthy. Excellent oral health is maintained by daily oral hygiene. The gold standard is brushing.
Daily use of cat::ESSENTIAL healthymouthTM anti-plaque water additive (started immediately after dental cleaning per manufacturer's instructions for use) as part of a comprehensive oral care program with veterinary examination and professional scaling will help keep cats' teeth clean and the gum tissues and bone around the roots heathy.
Background: The Kitten Rescue
Founded in 1997, the Kitten Rescue has become the largest and most respected non-profit animal welfare organizations in Southern California dedicated to finding homes for unwanted cats and kittens. The totally volunteer run organization places more than 1,000 cats into new homes each year.
Ben Lehrer, Esq, a senior attorney at the Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and life long cat lover and rescue advocate serves as President, a volunteer position.
In March 2006, the Kitten Rescue acquired its own private no kill shelter and boarding facility that can house up to 150 cats. The sanctuary has a full-time staff as well as round the clock volunteers who provide loving care, love and socialization for cats housed there. Rescued domestic short, medium and long haired cats are housed at the sanctuary while rescued feral cats are housed at foster homes throughout Los Angeles until adopted.
The rescue tales care of all heal needs of the cats rescued. Dr. George Cuellar and his clinic staff at the Southern California Veterinary Hospital has been the primary veterinarian for the rescue for the past five years. In addition, an impressive veterinary board comprised of thirteen of the leading veterinary practices with specializations in feline medicine supports the Kitten Rescue.
Clinical Trial Collaboration with Karen Albert and healthymouthTM for Cats
The Kitten Rescue's ever changing population of 150+ rescued SHD, MHD and LHD cats housed in the Kitten Rescue Sanctuary until adoption, needed a better approach for daily oral hygiene care. The collaboration here with Karen Albert allowed us to perform clinical trials with her water-based cat::ESSENTIAL healthymouthTM concentrate which is free of alcohol, synthetic or artificial ingredients.
HealthymouthTM Feline Topical Gel Clinical Trial Background
Background: Gum Disease in Cats
The cause of gum disease is the same in cats as it is in people. Gum disease is an
infection resulting from build-up of soft dental plaque on the surfaces of the teeth around
the gums. The bacteria in dental plaque irritates the gum tissue if plaque is allowed to
accumulate, which often leads to infection in the bone surrounding the teeth.
Hard dental tartar (calculus) consists of calcium salts from saliva deposited on plaque.
Tartar starts to form within a few days on a tooth surface that is not kept clean, and
provides a rough surface that enhances further plaque accumulation. Once it has begun
to grow in thickness, tartar is difficult to remove without dental instruments.
Bad breath is the most common effect noted by owners. However, this is often only the
tip of the iceberg. The gums become irritated, leading to bleeding and oral pain and the
cat may lose its appetite or drop food from its mouth while eating. The roots may
become so severely affected that some teeth become loose and fall out. Bacteria
surrounding the roots gain access to the blood stream ("bacteremia").
The key to management of gum disease (for humans or cats) is prevention. As long as
the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned frequently, the gums will stay healthy. Excellent
oral health is maintained by daily oral hygiene. The gold standard is brushing.
Daily use of cat::ESSENTIAL healthymouthTM anti-plaque water gel, (started
immediately after dental cleaning per manufacturer's instructions for use) as part of a
comprehensive oral care program with veterinary examination and professional scaling
is intended as an aid help to keep cats' teeth clean and the gum tissues and bone
around the roots healthy.
Clinical Trial Collaboration with Karen Albert and healthymouthTM Gel for Cats
The collaboration at the Overland Veterinary Clinic, a private practice located in Los Angeles, CA with HealthyMouth LLC and Karen Albert allowed us to perform a clinical trial to assess the effect of healthymouthTM gel applied orally to cats. The new feline product addition to the healthymouthTM product line of home dental care contains no artificial, synthetic ingredients or alcohol; an anti-plaque feline gel version of her all anti-plaque water additive formulation for felines. In our daily practice, we see many cats that owners tell us do not consume much water on a daily basis, so we were very interested in a potential gel version of the water additive that owners could apply to teeth and gums daily, ensuring compliance.
Background: Overland Veterinary Clinic
Overland Veterinary Clinic, located in Los Angeles California is a small animal practice with a special interest in cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. Overland is known to have one of the largest and best feline dedicated practices in Southern California. Pet health, preventative medicine and quality of life are the clinic's primary concerns as well as client education. Professional dentistry is a top priority for Overland; which includes keeping abreast of advances in technologies, safe and effective dental care products and working in conjunction with local dental specialists on cases requiring advanced expertise. Dr. Louis Schwartz, owner and Chief of Staff works with his dedicated associates, Dr. Metten and Dr. Housley, and eight very experienced veterinary technicians and eight full time staff members.
