Autumn is not only the beginning of the school year but also a time when parents feel more concern about their children’s health. One of the most common questions is: what happens to a child’s milk teeth when they start kindergarten or school? Many parents believe that this is the “starting point” for cavities. But is that really true?
When is the risk of cavities the highest?
Dentists and researchers confirm that children who start kindergarten before the age of 3 have a higher risk of tooth decay. The reasons are clear:
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by the age of 3, the oral microbiome becomes relatively stable;
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baby teeth are erupted, mineralized and more resistant to decay;
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in younger children, teeth are still “immature” and healthy oral flora has not yet settled.
If there are children with active caries in the group, and the menu includes many sweets and pastries, the risk rises significantly.
How to protect baby teeth?
Not every family can wait until a child turns 3. In this case, prevention is especially important:
🪥 Oral hygiene – no plaque or active cavities at home.
🧴 Fluoride toothpaste – use dentist-recommended products.
👩⚕️ Check-ups – at least every 4–6 months.
🍎 Healthy diet – reduce sugar and white flour products.
Milk teeth care for preschoolers and schoolchildren
After age 3, the rules remain similar, but with some additions:
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teach your child to rinse their mouth with water after meals;
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xylitol gums or candies often don’t help – they usually get shared with friends;
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floss to clean interdental spaces;
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remember that schoolchildren have many young teeth – molars and premolars may need fissure sealants;
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from age 5, children should brush their teeth themselves, but parents must supervise;
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use plaque disclosing agents at least once a week.
Dentist’s experience: kindergarten and school ≠ milk teeth cavities
At Kadrioru Plaza Dental Clinic we see every day: with proper hygiene, regular check-ups, sufficient fluoride and a balanced diet, there is no increase in cavities due to kindergarten or school.
✨ Dear parents, your children’s dental health is in your hands. Start early, schedule preventive visits and trust the professionals.
📍 At our dental clinic in Tallinn, children’s dentists help preserve healthy smiles — from the very first baby teeth to the teenage years.
