Meet the unsung superheroes of dentistry.
We’re not talking about your dentist, hygienist, or mouthwash – though they are heroes every day.

Cavity Creeps are foiled by fluoride and the Crest Team.


Instead, time travel back to the 1970s where heroes regularly rescued the city of Toothopolis. After the downfall of TV’s Crest Team, for years, there was no one left to protect the city from the dreaded Cavity Creeps. But then, just before the city slipped into a permanent state of decay, the Crest FORCE arrived on the scene.

Launched by Crest through a series of cartoon television advertisements in the 1970s, the Crest Team promoted dental care to kids. Riding around in the CrestMobile, the team fought battles with fluoride.

History of Crest Team

Launched by Crest through a series of cartoon television advertisements in the 1970s, the Crest Team promoted dental care to kids. Riding around in the Crestmobile, the team fought battles using fluoride. After a strong win against the Cavity Creeps, the Crest Team spewed out tips on how to prevent cavities and protect molars.

According to Indiana University School of Dentistry Library, the commercials were developed by comic book artist Herb Trimpe, who was responsible for concept art and character models for the Crest Team, the Cavity Creeps, and their environments. Trimpe is remembered for his work at Marvel comics, particularly his run on The Incredible Hulk in the 1970s.

The advertisements soon faded out, and the Crest Team hasn’t been heard from since.

The Crest FORCE is Formed

Nearly 40 years later, one-time kids and forever fans of the Crest Team, Manny Galan and Pat Giles saw an opportunity to get the squad back together. Inspiration sparked for Galan and Giles when their employer, Saatchi & Saatchi agency, took on Crest as a client. The pair were not on the account but worked on the sidelines to create the Crest FORCE. 

The children of the original Crest Team, the FORCE were to follow in their parents’ footsteps to protect Toothopolis. Without the Crest Team for protection, the Cavity Creeps had time to develop new tactics and overrun the city. Using modern dentistry, characters Bristle, Scrub, Flossie, Fluoride, Enamel, and Ortho would be ready to take down the Creeps.

A Dream Walks Out the Door

Unfortunately, before the idea could be formally pitched, Crest left the agency.

“It’s one of the projects in our ‘What could have been!’ pile that I regret the most,” Galán said. “We firmly believe this would appeal to generations, old and new, and would love to see this through.”

Check out the retro Crest Team commercial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9VPRiHmQNU&feature=youtu.be