Dental Music: Songs About Teeth Your Kids Will Love

While we know you've worked hard to take care of your child's gums as an infant, helped them through the difficult stage of teething, and are teaching them how best to hold their toothbrush, ultimately, your child's oral care will be up to them. Good habits start young, so helping your child become an active participant in their oral care routine early on can contribute to healthy dental habits into adulthood.

You've probably heard a song that's a "piggyback song" before but may not be aware of this term. A piggyback song takes the tune of a traditional song with new lyrics that fit the theme of the teachable concept, which in your case, is about brushing teeth! Parents and caregivers can use these songs as a fun way to teach brushing, flossing, and good dental hygiene. Young children usually love this song method and learn well by repetition.

Using songs about teeth as a reminder that it's time to brush and floss is something you and your child can do together. The American Dental Association also knows the importance of an excellent toothbrushing tune. They've rounded up seven great songs with videos for a "brushing playlist" that should get your child excited about this twice-a-day habit.

You can sing any song you think your child will enjoy. Pick a favorite melody and change the words to something memorable about brushing their teeth. Try to make it rhyme if you can. It doesn’t have to be perfect. The idea is to make toothbrushing more fun. Whatever songs you sing with your child try to make them two minutes long as this is how long they should brush for. Try out some of the suggestions below. These tunes are great dental health songs for preschool-aged children, and we hope you find one or two that you genuinely enjoy!

(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.

Flossing teeth, flossing teeth,

Do it every day.

This is the way we floss our teeth,

To keep the cavities away.

(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.

All my teeth are gonna sparkle,

How proud I will be.

Every time I want to smile,

My teeth will shine for me!

Always brush your teeth,

Every single day.

Keep those cavities away!

Use your brush and paste,

Just the way you should,

Keep your smile a-looking good!

(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.

Floss, floss, floss your teeth,

Every single day.

Gently, gently, gently, gently,

Whisking plaque away.

Rinse, rinse, rinse your teeth,

Every single day.

Swishing, swishing, swishing, swishing,

Fighting tooth decay.

(Sung to the tune of "The Noble Duke of York")

My toothbrush is a tool.

I use it every day.

I brush and brush and brush and brush,

To keep cavities away.

It's up and up and up,

Then down and down and down.

The brush goes up and down each time.

To keep decay away.

Using fun dental songs will help your child enjoy the act of taking care of their teeth. And you'll get a chance to sing and dance with them, rather than feel like you're nagging.

Whether it's a piggyback song, a music video filled with dancing teeth or puppets, or a rhyme you've made up on your own, what matters most is that you're helping your child learn a lifelong skill. Through this daily ritual together, they'll understand that taking care of their dental health doesn't have to be a mundane task to avoid, but a daily habit to be proud of!

What is the purpose of dental music for kids?

The purpose of dental music for kids is to help children learn why brushing their teeth is important and teach about oral hygiene in a fun and memorable way. 

Are there any specific benefits of using music to teach dental hygiene?

Since most children learn by repetition the songs tend to be simple and repetitive to help them remember how to care for their teeth. Singing songs can help make your child an active participant in their oral care routine. Learning about good oral health practices in a fun engaging way helps kids understand why healthy dental habits are important into adulthood.

How can I access dental music for my kids?

On top of the suggestions above, there are many online resources. The American Dental Association even offers a kids’ playlist.

Are dental songs appropriate for all ages?

While they are appropriate for all ages, most dental songs are meant for preschool or young children as a teaching tool. Older children might want to have music while they brush their teeth as well. You could play a song they love that lasts two minutes just to encourage a longer brushing time. 

How can I incorporate dental music into my child's oral care routine?

Make the song or songs you choose a part of their daily routine. This way it cues your child that it’s time to brush their teeth without you nagging them. Have them pick the song that you sing or play it for them as you help brush their teeth.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.