'Sense of purpose': Flagler County jail inmates foster homeless kittens
Launched in early July in collaboration with the Flagler Humane Society, the kitten initiative is part of the Flagler County Sheriff's Office's Successful Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Treatment Program, or SMART, at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility.
The idea is to provide a "unique therapeutic experience aimed at long-term recovery for both the kitten and the inmates," according to the Sheriff's Office.
"Addiction often creates isolation and self-centered patterns," Sheriff Rick Staly said. "Fostering kittens requires empathy, structure and consistency — qualities that support recovery and rehabilitation."
An inmate and kitten bond in a foster initiative launched by the Flagler Sheriff's Office's Successful Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Treatment Program in collaboration with the Flagler Humane Society.
The society provides kittens for the inmates to take on feeding and socializing. Playing such critical roles in the kittens' lives gives the inmates a "sense of purpose," responsibility, emotional support and a daily routine — all of which are "key components in effective addiction treatment," according to the Sheriff's Office.
The partnership stemmed from a Sheriff's Office proposal for their drug rehabilitation participants to help the society by making blankets, society Executive Director Amy Carotenuto said.
"We have so many blankets donated that I asked if they would consider the kitten foster program," she said. "We always have so many orphans that our staff and volunteers are constantly taking babies home and often staying up during the night bottle feeding. ... It's a tremendous help for us and the kittens are getting spoiled and loved — and our staff is getting to sleep."
Inmates at Flagler County's Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility cuddle kittens as part of a new foster program launched with the Flagler Humane Society.
For more information or to adopt a kitten, contact the society at 1 Shelter Drive, Palm Coast; (386) 445-1814; or info@flaglerhumanesociety.org or go to flaglerhumanesociety.org.
bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Inmates and homeless kittens build new lives together in Flagler jail
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When asked if there's a reason people should choose n-HAp over other anti-cavity toothpastes, Tolmie answers, "No, as long as patients are brushing their teeth with an anti-cavity toothpaste. There are differences in the way an n-HAp toothpaste and a fluoride toothpaste work to prevent decay, and some n-HAp toothpastes may feel smoother on the teeth. But anti-cavity toothpastes as a whole accomplish the same task. Do I wash a car with tap water or bottled water? We know that both of them get the job done." What's most important, according to Tolmie, is that patients ensure they're not swallowing toothpaste. What does the American Dental Association think? Cooper states that the ADA recommends brushing teeth twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, as the naturally occurring mineral has been proven to remineralize weakened enamel and reverse early signs of tooth decay. "Additionally, the fluoride you take in from drinking water and other beverages continues to provide a topical benefit because it becomes part of your saliva, constantly bathing the teeth and helping to rebuild weakened tooth enamel," Cooper further explains. "The best scientific evidence has shown that adding fluoride to community water supplies is safe and effective. This is backed by decades of research and recognized by more than 100 health organizations." GoodboyDoes nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste work? All of the dentists we consulted agree that nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste works, but in the right context and with the right product. It's also not a miracle cure and should not replace your entire oral care routine, dentist's recommendations or regular appointments. Plus, Eversgerd adds that more long-term, large-scale trials are needed to fully validate whether it's equal to fluoride in preventing cavities. When asked if it's effective, Austin says, "Yes -- particularly for enamel remineralization and sensitivity. In my practice, I've seen patients who switched to nHA toothpaste experience noticeable improvements in comfort, plaque control and surface smoothness. But like any product, it works best when paired with consistent brushing, flossing and professional cleanings." Pinto agrees and has also seen the results firsthand. "It helps remineralize enamel, soothe sensitivity and support a healthier oral microbiome, especially when paired with a good routine (good home hygiene, healthy diet, hydration and nasal breathing)," she explains, noting that it's not a miracle cure, but does offer many benefits. On behalf of the ADA, Cooper echoes Eversgerd's earlier statement: "The use of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) in over-the-counter products is growing, and some evidence shows that nHAP may contribute to remineralization, but the evidence is fairly new and often ambiguous, especially regarding clinical indications. " Do experts recommend nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste? All of the experts we consulted do recommend nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste, but only for certain patients. After all, according to Austin, "Nearly half of US adults over 30 have some form of gum disease, and you can't out-toothpaste a bad hygiene routine." Brushing your teeth regularly, flossing and regularly visiting your dentist are still essential, no matter what toothpaste you use. Though Lieb recommends nHA toothpaste for adult patients experiencing post-whitening sensitivity or early enamel erosion, low-caries risk individuals seeking natural alternatives and adults undergoing cosmetic dental work who want to protect their investment with gentle, remineralizing care, she doesn't recommend nano-hydroxyapatite for children with deciduous dentition. "In my professional opinion, fluoride remains the safest and most effective option for all patients under 14," says Lieb. "Its protective effect during the development of permanent dentition is unmatched, and its caries-prevention record is well established." Sachar states that she often recommends it for "patients seeking fluoride-free options, those with mild tooth sensitivity and for children at risk of swallowing fluoride toothpaste." However, she advises that patients with moderate to high cavity risk not fully abandon fluoride. Again, it's important to note that the "ADA recommends that adults brush their teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes each time, or as directed by a licensed dentist," according to Cooper. This is because the proposed benefits of nHAP are fairly new and ambiguous. Getty Images The bottom line Though more research is needed, the dentists we consulted explained that nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste can be an effective alternative to fluoride -- but only in the right context. The ADA doesn't recommend it. It's also not a miracle cure or a replacement for brushing regularly, flossing and professional dental appointments. If you're considering nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste, consult your dentist first before making the switch. They know your teeth best and will be able to help you find the best toothpaste for your smile.
