Are Cavities a Disease?
Though we don't tend to think of cavities or tooth decay as a disease, it is, in fact, an infectious disease, albeit a highly preventable one. The bacteria responsible for tooth decay are most often transmitted from mother to child in the first years of life. Mothers with high levels of this bacteria in their saliva are more likely to transmit the disease to their children by sharing a utensil, kissing or sharing saliva in any other way. Once bacteria is present in a child's mouth, the disease is chronic and unlikely to ever completely disappear.
However, even the presence of cavity-causing bacteria does not doom you to cavity-ridden teeth. A combination of good oral care and a good diet can keep your enamel strong.