Cavity War Isn’t Just for Kids

Most parents keep a careful eye on Halloween candy, rationing it to their children in the interest of health promotion and cavity prevention. But who watches those parents (you know who you are) who raid their kids’ loot after bedtime?

Cavities in kids have declined dramatically; half of all school-age children have no cavities. Not so for adults--cavities are on the upswing, especially among the 55-plus set. And about age 40, old fillings may begin to break down and need replacement.

Besides minimizing candy intake, there are a number of anti-cavity strategies for adults:

* Brush after eating candy or at least rinse your mouth thoroughly.

* Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate production of saliva, which helps wash away bacteria. Studies show that gum with the sugar substitute xylitol (such as XyliFresh) is a particularly good cavity fighter.

* Boost resistance to decay via fluoride, either in your toothpaste or drinking water.

Sources: Dr. Irwin D. Mandel, professor emeritus, Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery, New York; Journal of the American Dental Assn.