Sugar Bugs

It all started with the best of intentions. I got tired of Alex biting the toothbrush and clamping his mouth shut every night. I remembered how the dental hygienist that cleans Jonathan's teeth always talks about "sugar bugs" to explain the importance of toothbrushing. So I told Alex that he had sugar bugs on his teeth and that we needed to brush them away, before they made holes.

Well, that certainly brought his bug phobia roaring to the forefront. He looked absolutely horrified and asked "I have BUGS on my teeth?!" I told him yes and, to my delight, he said "Quick! I better brush them off!" He dropped his toy cars and ran to the bathroom, then opened wide to let me brush. I told him to "Spit the sugar bugs out!" and he spit his toothpaste for the first time ever! I thought this tactic was clearly a great success.

However, the next night, his mouth was clamped shut again. I told him, "Alex, don't let the sugar bugs eat holes in your teeth!" And then inspiration struck. I couldn't show him the bugs, but perhaps I could show him the holes. I asked him, "Do you want to see what the sugar bugs did to my teeth?" He nodded yes, so I opened wide and let him see my filllings.

He very seriously peered in, angling his head to get a better glimpse. Curiosity quickly turned to revulsion. He turned away and said "Maybe Daddy can read me my stories tonight."

A week later, and Alex still asks about the sugar bugs and my holes every day. Each time he sees my fillings, he tells me he likes Daddy better. On the plus side, he remains very enthusiastic about brushing his own teeth. I may not get quite as many kisses, but the ones I do receive smell minty fresh.