Infant saliva harbors bacteria associated with tooth decay and cavities—the most prevalent infectious disease in U.S. children. “By the time a child reaches kindergarten, 40 percent have dental cavities,” says Kelly Swanson, professor of animal science at the University of Illinois. “In addition, populations who are of low socioeconomic status, who consume a diet high in sugar, and whose mothers have low education levels are 32 times more likely to have this disease.”
