Psychological Warfare

Ella has never really enjoyed brushing her teeth at night (though mornings are usually not a problem). In fact, she presently dislikes it so much that every night is a struggle, one that we win, but not before she has put up a good fight. We have resorted to a psychological warfare of sorts and have disclosed to her the truth about sugar bugs. Sugar bugs are the hidden predators who feast upon plaque and tarter build up, bugs so devious and destructive that they leave in their wake small holes in rotten teeth. After first learning of sugar bugs, Ella brushed religiously, for awhile. But after time, she is up to her old devices, and I have had to try a new tactic: pictures of tooth decay. Surely, I thought, this would get her attention; after all, Ella is a fan of all things beautiful, and tooth decay is anything but. The pictures gave us one night of stress free brushing before Ella came up with a plan of her own.

Ella: I put some food outside for the sugar bugs. It's some carrots and banana peel, mixed with dirt and rocks.

So, do you think the sugar bugs could sneak out of your mouth, or would they just die if they tried?

Mom: Well, they only really live inside your mouth.

Ella: Why?

Mom: It's plaque they like, not carrots and bananas and rocks.

Ella: Okay, I guess that's just what life is all about.