Making Oral Hygiene Fun: The Power of Brushing Songs for Kids

August 6, 2025 | 2 min read
When it comes to teaching kids about oral hygiene, engagement is key. While you've likely invested in a colorful toothbrush and their favorite toothpaste flavor, a missing element might be a fun, engaging song. Using music, rhymes, and catchy tunes can transform the daily chore of brushing into a fun activity, helping your child develop a positive relationship with their dental care routine. Good dental habits are established early, and making your child an active participant in their oral care routine is crucial for their future health. One effective method is using "piggyback songs." This term refers to taking a well-known tune and creating new lyrics that fit the topic you're teaching—in this case, brushing and flossing. Kids often learn well through repetition, and these familiar melodies with new, dental-focused words can be a powerful tool for teaching hygiene. You and your child can sing these songs together, turning brush time into a bonding experience. The American Dental Association even has a playlist of songs and videos to help get kids excited about their twice-a-day routine. The goal is to make brushing for the recommended two minutes as enjoyable as possible. You don't need to be a professional songwriter. Simply pick a favorite tune and change the lyrics to be memorable and rhyming. Here are a few examples of piggyback songs to get you started: "Brushing Teeth" (Sung to the tune of "Jingle Bells") Scrub your teeth, scrub your teeth, Do it night and day. Make them shiny, make them bright, To keep the cavities away. "I've Been Brushing" (Sung to the tune of "I've Been Working on the Railroad") I've been brushing with my toothbrush, Brushing every day. I've been brushing with my toothbrush, It's how I can fight decay. "Brush, Brush, Brush Your Teeth" (Sung to the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat") Brush, brush, brush your teeth, At least two times a day. cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, Fighting tooth decay. Incorporating these fun dental songs into your daily schedule helps your child look forward to taking care of their teeth. Instead of a battle, it becomes a ritual you can both enjoy, helping them understand that dental health isn't a tedious task, but a positive habit to be proud of.

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