Socio-economic status of parents has been shown to have an influence, with lower socio-economic conditions having a higher prevalence of dental caries (Chosack et al,1990; Du Plessis, 1997). The National Oral Health survey for South Africa (2003) reported a mean dmft for the 4-5 and 6-year-old groups in the Western Cape as 4.81 and 5.51 respectively. Objectives: To obtain baseline information on the dental caries status in preschool children to plan a preventative programme in the area. Methods: Eight schools representing different wards in Mitchells Plain were randomly selected. Consent was obtained from the principals and parents prior to the dental examinations. One Grade R class from each school was examined. Dental examinations were done using natural light and mouth mirrors. The following variables were collected: demographic data; the decayed, missing and filled component; the children’s knowledge of plaque and brushing practices. The 1996 Population Census data was used to obtain the socio-economic levels for the wards. The data was entered in Excel and analyzed in the SPSS statistical package. Results: A total of 220 children, 53% males and 47% females were examined. Their ages ranged between 4-6 years of age. The dmft scores for the sample ranged between 0 (10%) and 19 (0.5%). The mean dmft scores for the individual schools ranged between 4.67 and 8.48, with 5 schools above the NOHs levels. The higher dmft levels further correspond with the areas which had more unemployment and no to low income. The majority (98%) indicated they brush their teeth; 60% brush at least once a day and 86% uses toothpaste. Only 41% had some idea as to why they should brush their teeth. Conclusions: The overall levels of caries are high in preschool children in this community with higher levels identified in areas that have lower socio-economic condition.