The sweetest way to prevent cavities

Q: My three-year-old just got his first cavity. We brush his teeth every morning and night, and even floss regularly, but is there anything else we can do to keep him from getting any more?

Dr. Wright: I’ve never met a three-year-old that didn’t love gum and candy, both of which seem like no-no’s when it comes to dental health. But if you get the right kinds, these things can actually help prevent cavities. Gum and mints that contain xylitol not only help prevent the formation of new cavities, but they may even be able to reverse ones that are already present. One controlled study on xylitol and dental health showed it caused a reversal and healing, with re-growth of dental enamel, in 27 percent of already existing cavities.

Xylitol is available in natural food stores, compounding pharmacies, and the Tahoma Clinic Dispensary as chewing gum, mints, toothpaste, and oral rinse. I recommend the Spry line of products, since it’s made of entirely natural ingredients, with no artificial flavors, colors, or other chemicals, and especially no fluoride.