It’s probably common knowledge that kids do a pretty crappy job brushing teeth. I think the dentist actually told us to brush for them until they were at least 8. Something about not being able to get the brush at the right angle to properly clean their gums. I don’t really remember. Anyways, we’re all great at doing as we’re told in this house!

Ok I’m lying! We are lazy parents that have been letting our kids brush their own teeth majority of the time. How is that working out you ask? Well, at least they are brushing every day. Brushing what their inadequately angled brushes can reach.

Yesterday, I took a closer look at Cameron’s (7) teeth. You know, to inspect how things were going. I’m pretty sure we have an appointment coming up and I want to make sure we get another good report. (Mental note to check the date of the appointment…could be this week?!)

What did I see? Partially clean teeth. Mostly good. A few places that looked a little yellow and could use some attention. So I inspected Melia’s (4). Same thing, which is actually pretty good considering I’m sure she fibbed about brushing this morning. I always have to check to see if her toothbrush is wet. She hasn’t figured out that all she really needs to do is get her brush wet to get away with it. But, we’ll keep that secret as long as we can.

We need to start brushing their teeth every day! Ugh. Parental responsibility rears it’s ugly head.

Tonight, my husband was dominating the bedtime routine getting them all ready. He took them both into the bathroom to brush their teeth. While providing a great lesson in the importance of holding your toothbrush at the proper angle and brushing twice a day, he brought out the big guns.

Scare tactics!

I’m not sure if this would fall into the category of good parenting or not? Thanks to Google images, he has scarred their minds with the most horrific photo of someone’s nasty teeth.

Initially, I didn’t see the photo. But I heard about it. When Melia exited the bathroom she promptly came to let me know she brushed her teeth. She wanted me to take a look at how good they did. Then added, she needs to make sure she does this every day otherwise her teeth will turn green and some will fall out. This is how I learned of the scare tactics that were used.

Then I saw the picture! It had to be something out of Redneck Digest. There is no way someone’s teeth really would ever look that nasty just by not brushing. Right?! Brace yourself…

OMG! This made my night. I don’t think I’ve laughed this hard in a while. We are talking tears…streaming tears! He REALLY pulled out the big guns! Said he “wanted to make an impact”. That’ll do it!

I’m told Cameron immediately looked away, completely grossed out. Melia got a really sad look on her face. Then she marched right over to grab her tooth brush and patiently wait her turn.

I’m pretty sure there was another tamer/more normal picture that was available. However, this image is now forever seared into their brains!

All you kids out there, beware! If you don’t start brushing your teeth better, this will be you! Hoping maybe this will get us a good few weeks of good brushing habits.

Are we the only bad parents out there scaring the crap out of our kids to get them to do something?