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Most people's teeth are susceptible to decay.  Decay promoting bacteria that normally live in the mouth adhere to the tooth surfaces and form a sticky, colorless mass called dental plaque.  Plaque accumulates around and between the teeth and in the pits and grooves of the chewing surfaces of back teeth.  The bacteria in plaque convert sugar in the foods we eat and drink to acids.  These acids eat away the hard tooth enamel (demineralization) and start to form cavities.  The sticky plaque enables bacteria and the acids they produce to remain on the tooth surface instead of being washed away by saliva.  The longer plaque is allowed to stay undisturbed on the tooth surfaces, the greater is its ability to produce acid from sugars.  

Also, if  you don't remove the plaque daily it will accumulate and turn into a hard deposit called calculus (tartar).  Calculus can be removed only by your dentist or dental hygienist.  If calculus is not removed, more plaque forms on top of it, irritating your gums.  Unless you take measures to prevent it, gum disease can destroy the gums and bone that support the teeth and the even healthy teeth can be lost.

Most decay on the crowns of the teeth develops in childhood and adolescent years.  However, decay can and does recur around restorations (fillings) in adults.  In later life, as gums recede, the root surfaces of the teeth also become susceptible to decay.  In all instances, prompt treatments required to save the teeth. 

National Institute of Dental Research

Tooth decay (dental caries) can start at a very young age, and usually does.  All it takes is a susceptible tooth, bacteria in the mouth, and certain foods, especially sugar.  So, it can begin as early as infancy with baby's first tooth and continue to occur throughout life.  This all too familiar dental disease affects most of the population.  Its high prevalence is especially disturbing because with just a little effort, most tooth decay can be prevented. 

National Institute of Dental Research