With the introduction of fluoride, the incidence of cavities was greatly reduced. Within the next decade, we may see cavities eliminated altogether.

CaroRx, a tooth-decay inhibiting treatment produced by California-based Planet Biotechnology, Inc., is an antibody produced in genetically altered plants. When painted on cleaned teeth, it prevents the decay-causing streptococcus mutans bacteria from adhering to teeth.

Keith Wycoff, Planet Biotechnology's research director, said the treatment should be available to dentists and the public within the next five or six years. It is currently undergoing clinical trials at the University of California in San Francisco.