The good news is most tooth decay is preventable, and some can even be reversed. Making these changes now will pay off big time later. Dine for dental health. Make sweets an occasional treat, and try to limit snacks and meals to five a day. Think beyond Garbs; serve foods – such as cheese, yogurt, veggies, and peanut butter – that stimulate saliva production and don't break down quickly into sugar. Try to offer starchy stuff in combination with other foods to blunt the harmful effects. Don't slack off on serving H20. Water increases saliva production and washes away sugars in your child's mouth. Fluoridated water can also block acid production and re-mineralize teeth. Do quick touch-ups. For an on-the-go cleaning after starchy snacks and juice, use a dental wipe. Try Spiffies – they're saturated with Xylitol, which helps prevent plaque formation. Find them at spiffies.com Paint on protection. If your kid is cavity prone or you live in an area without fluoridated water, ask your dentist if he'd recommend a fluoride varnish. The clear, protective coating dries almost instantly and fights decay for months. Get serious about brushing. It's amazing the number of parents who give up when their toddler whines. Be consistent and persistent. Say, "I'm sorry that you don't like it, but we have to brush your teeth." Try letting your child scrub yours first or have him tackle his teddy bear's smile. The more fun he has brushing, the less it feels like a chore.