Tooth Protectors

About

Tooth Protectors tasks you with blocking snack squares from hitting a row of teeth at the bottom of the screen. You control a grinning character holding dental floss, moving left or right to position them beneath falling treats. Each successful block stops a snack from damaging the teeth, but let too many through and the teeth will crumble from decay. The gameplay is straightforward but repetitive, relying on quick reflexes and timing to keep the smile line intact. The game’s premise is as strange as it is specific, blending arcade action with a bizarrely literal lesson in oral hygiene. Released in 1983 for the Atari 2600, it’s a relic of a time when corporate-sponsored titles were more common, and less subtle. While not a critical darling, its novelty and 80s retro charm have earned it a cult following among niche fans. Johnson & Johnson’s involvement adds a layer of cringe that’s hard to ignore, making it more curiosity than classic.