(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Experts estimate about 90 percent of all people in the United States have had at least one cavity and that 75 percent of those had it by the age of 5. Senior citizens and children are at the highest risk, but parents know getting kids to brush is often easier said than done. Now a simple varnish painted on the teeth may help prevent and even reverse tooth decay.

Like most kids, Ryan Baranowski used to hate to brush his teeth. By the age of 7, he already had three cavities -- a trend his mother, Andrea, was determined to stop.

"His new teeth are coming in. I'm hoping to save them before they get any worse," says Andrea.

She says changing Ryan's habits wasn't easy. She remembers the scenario: "Did you brush your teeth?"

"No."

"Go brush your teeth."

"No."

"Did you brush your teeth?"

"Yeah."

"No, you didn't. Go brush your teeth."

Then a specialist introduced Ryan to fluoride varnish. Dentist Jaana Autio, D.D.S., of the University of Florida College of Dentistry in Gainesville, says the varnish is a major breakthrough in tooth decay.

"It can arrest, it can slow down, and it can reverse cavities," she says.

In a study of more than 200 children, the varnish reversed cavity progression in 80 percent of them. Only 35 percent who used traditional fluoride gel had their decay reverse. The varnish is painted on the teeth and may be a welcome alternative.

Dr. Autio says, "It's easier to use. It's an easier application method. It's safer."

Andrea is happy with Ryan's results. "He didn't used to smile with his teeth showing. He does now," she says.

So how often does Ryan brush his teeth now?

Ryan says, "Almost every morning. Actually every morning." And that's a trend with wich both he and Andrea can be happy.

Dr. Autio says that because the fluoride varnish contains such a high amount of fluoride, it can only be applied two to four times a year. It is also only intended for professional use. The varnish is approved for its effectiveness in soothing hypersensitive teeth, so it is already available at most dentists' offices.