A case is presented of a most unusual and bizarre form of child abuse which escaped detection for several years. Three children in a family of six were found to have various missing permanent incisors, and it was eventually discovered that their parents were extracting teeth as a punishment for misdemeanours. The children were treated when in the care of the local authority and the missing teeth replaced with partial dentures. It is emphasised that all practitioners should be vigilant when patients present with abnormal injuries which may be the result of abuse, and further investigation should be instigated.