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SnowWa · 11-30-2006, 06:24 PM

Here is some additional information regarding cheese and tooth decay....

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Protection Against Dental Caries. Certain cheeses may help to reduce the risk of dental decay (caries). Cheeses such as Cheddar, Swiss, blue, Monterey Jack, Brie, Gouda, mozzarella, and Roquefort, as well as process American cheese, exhibit a potential protective effect against tooth decay. The chemical or physical characteristics of cheese responsible for its protective action against tooth decay are not completely understood. However, cheese has a number of properties that may help reduce risk of tooth decay.

Cheese's beneficial effect may be explained in part by its texture, which increases saliva flow. This in turn reduces the increase in cavity-causing acids by plaque bacteria and increases the clearance of sugars from the oral cavity. Components of cheese such as protein, calcium, and phosphorus may prevent acid demineralization and enhance remineralization of tooth enamel. The protective effect of cheese against dental caries may also be explained by an antibacterial effect of components in cheese (e.g., fatty acids).

Eating cheese immediately after meals, or as a between-meal snack in place of snacks that promote dental caries, may be a practical way to reduce tooth decay.

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Again - my dog's teeth are in very good condition for their age (so saith my vet) - and cheese has been an important part of their diet - always. I have always fed my dogs Cheddar and mozzarella - because these are what I usually have in my fridge for myself).

The key is not to fill your dog full of cheese - but rather immediately after a meal - a bite or two of cheese will help cut down on tooth decay - also an occasional bite or two during the day for a snack would probably be one of the best treats we can give our dogs.

Thanks for reading -- Carol Jean

11-30-2006, 06:24 PM	#10
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,992	Here is some additional information regarding cheese and tooth decay.... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Protection Against Dental Caries. Certain cheeses may help to reduce the risk of dental decay (caries). Cheeses such as Cheddar, Swiss, blue, Monterey Jack, Brie, Gouda, mozzarella, and Roquefort, as well as process American cheese, exhibit a potential protective effect against tooth decay. The chemical or physical characteristics of cheese responsible for its protective action against tooth decay are not completely understood. However, cheese has a number of properties that may help reduce risk of tooth decay. Cheese's beneficial effect may be explained in part by its texture, which increases saliva flow. This in turn reduces the increase in cavity-causing acids by plaque bacteria and increases the clearance of sugars from the oral cavity. Components of cheese such as protein, calcium, and phosphorus may prevent acid demineralization and enhance remineralization of tooth enamel. The protective effect of cheese against dental caries may also be explained by an antibacterial effect of components in cheese (e.g., fatty acids). Eating cheese immediately after meals, or as a between-meal snack in place of snacks that promote dental caries, may be a practical way to reduce tooth decay. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Again - my dog's teeth are in very good condition for their age (so saith my vet) - and cheese has been an important part of their diet - always. I have always fed my dogs Cheddar and mozzarella - because these are what I usually have in my fridge for myself). The key is not to fill your dog full of cheese - but rather immediately after a meal - a bite or two of cheese will help cut down on tooth decay - also an occasional bite or two during the day for a snack would probably be one of the best treats we can give our dogs. Thanks for reading -- Carol Jean __________________ http://tinypic.com/ipxhmb.jpg A Yorkie is worth a thousand words.