Dreaded trips to see your dentist could be replaced with a vaccine to prevent tooth decay in the future, researchers predict.

据研究人员预测，预防龋齿的疫苗有望问世，之后你就再不用为看牙医担惊受怕了。

The jab, developed by Chinese scientists, offers a dose of proteins that are effective at removing build-ups of plaque responsible for cavities.

Early trials show it to be 64 percent effective - meaning people would still have to brush their teeth twice a day to avoid a trip to the dentist's chair.

It offers hope of a 'fantastic' answer for preventing or even reversing cavities, which strike a third of adults, according to figures.

The researchers said the vaccine would be welcomed in Western countries, where teeth-rotting sugar is consumed heavily.

But the team at the Wuhan Institute of Virology said the jab is several years away from undergoing clinical tests. However, experts are excited.