Toothbrushing can feel like a hassle for children. They may not fully understand the practical need to brush their teeth, making them reluctant to take the time to do so twice a day. One of the best ways to encourage your child to get used to this routine, and even to look forward to it, is to introduce them to toothbrushing songs.
By having a fun routine that incorporates a song your child loves, they can get used to brushing their teeth. This can help them get a great start on their dental health habits.
5 Fun Toothbrushing Songs for Kids
If you’d like to try musical toothbrushing, we have some musical suggestions that can help you get started.
1. Watch “Healthy Teeth, Healthy Me.”
Does your child enjoy Sesame Street? If they do, you can turn to a PSA featuring Elmo, Nicole Kidman, and regular families following their oral health routines. Featuring a beloved character and a catchy tune, try “Healthy Teeth, Healthy Me: Brushy Brush PSA.”
2. Brush and floss.
The American Dental Association (ADA) has also created a toothbrushing song for kids, featuring Dudley the Dinosaur and a group of cute animal friends ready to break down all of the steps involved in the toothbrushing process. Dudley’s “Brush and Floss” is catchy enough to keep you humming it for the rest of the day.
3. Watch “Kids Just Love to Brush.”
Another good option from Sesame Street is “Kids Just Love to Brush.” It’s a cheeky tune based on Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” offering a great melody and a good rhythm for toothbrushing.
4. Watch “The Toothbrush Song.”
You can also choose “The Toothbrush Song” by Duggee and the Squirrel Club characters. It’s a good choice for very young children, and it lasts two minutes, so it teaches them just how long they need to brush.
5. Stop zombie mouth.
If your child is a bit older, you can introduce them to “Plants vs. Zombies & the ADA Present: Stop Zombie Mouth!” This fun tune lasts two minutes and features the Putrid Posse.
Tips for a Musical Toothbrushing Routine
One of the most effective toothbrushing tips is to incorporate their favorite toys into the routine. You can take the time to pretend you’re teaching the toy why brushing is so vital for dental health and encourage your child to brush the toy’s teeth for them.
You can also choose musical toothbrushes. There are many battery-powered options available that allow your child to press play so they can start brushing when the music starts and finish when it ends.
Why not add dance routines to go along with your child’s favorite toothbrushing songs? This can really make them look forward to their brushing sessions.
Consider making it a family affair. If your child doesn’t want to step away from siblings or other family members, have everyone brush their teeth at the same time so your child doesn’t feel like they’re missing out on other activities. This type of brush-along makes it easier for children to get used to the routine.
Another fun option is to let your child brush your teeth. This can offer the confidence your child needs to tackle their own teeth.
Gauge your child’s attention and comfort levels. If you see that they get bored listening to a particular song, change it up once in a while. Many children also have sensitive teeth, so if you see that they experience discomfort brushing with cold water, opt for warm water.
Benefits of a Musical Toothbrushing Routine
Your child will be less reluctant to brush their teeth if they find the habit fun. They will even look forward to the process. This helps them connect brushing with a positive experience, letting them start building the right attitude toward dental health.
If you choose a song that lasts for two minutes, you can be certain your child brushes for the right amount of time. It can be even better if the song has a rhythm that is easy to match while brushing.
This type of musical routine is also a great way to build stronger bonds with your child. Even if you lead a busy life and are always on the run, you can set aside the two minutes necessary for toothbrushing sessions with your child.
Encouraging Oral Health From the Start
Ensuring your child gets used to brushing their teeth can help them build healthy dental health habits that will serve them well for the rest of their lives. By using fun music and making the experience of brushing their teeth something they can look forward to, you can create a positive connection between brushing their teeth and fun.
We Make Kids Smile offers oral health guidance from a great children’s dentist in Waldorf. Contact us today to learn more about our services and to schedule an appointment with one of our pediatric dentists.
