Are there any diseases that cause tooth decay that can be passed from one person to another by kissing?

Question

Or are most just a result of poor hygeine?

Answer 1

It's not really as simple as a disease being passed like the flu or other diseases and viruses.

Most children receive bacteria that end up inhabiting their mouth from their mothers kissing them and sticking things in their mouth.

These bacteria are in everybody's mouths with slight variation.

Just because you kiss someone with cavities it doesn't mean you will suddenly get them.

The reason tooth decay happens is if you eat a lot of processed sugars which provides these bacteria with fuel to make acid by products that decay the teeth. Since we can't all have perfect diets and drink a lot of water, we brush our teeth. This doesn't necessarily get rid of all the bacteria but cleans some of them out and the fluoride in toothpaste will remineralize and strengthen your teeth.

Answer 2

Yes, parents can pass the dental decay bacteria to their children:

http://www.mchoralhealth.org/openwide/mo...

Answer 3

Herpes, and mono to name two  of them.  Yes there are many diseases that can be passed by kissing.