Tooth Invaders

About

Tooth Invaders is an arcade game developed by Commodore Business Machines in 1981 for the VIC-20 and later the C64. As Plaqueman, you battle swarming bacteria with a toothbrush and floss in a single-player action game designed to promote dental hygiene. The gameplay follows a top-down shooter format where you clear plaque from teeth while dodging incoming germs. Simple controls and bright visuals keep the focus on quick reflexes and repetitive cleaning mechanics, making it approachable for younger audiences. The game’s premise stems from a partnership between Commodore and the American Dental Association, timed for National Dental Month. While it didn’t achieve lasting popularity, it remains a curious artifact of 80s edutainment. Fans of retro oddities sometimes cite its blend of health messaging and pixelated combat as a quirky example of early educational gaming. Its cult status is low but its concept is unmistakable, hygiene has rarely felt this shoot-'em-up.