Looking for a good song or playlist for getting your kids to brush their teeth? These two minute songs to brush your teeth to can help make this chore easier, fun, and less stressful. And who doesn’t want that?!
Kids are the worst when it comes to brushing, and as a mom you know all about that struggle.
But there is hope! I am going to share with you some of my favorite songs to brush for kids.
There’s no need to fight or yell, just try these tunes out the next time your little one needs help cleaning up those chompers!
If your preschooler has ever asked for “just 5 more minutes”, you know that toddler time runs on a different clock than parent time.
This is just one of the reasons why it can be difficult to make sure they’re brushing their teeth for the full two minutes, as recommended by the American Dental Association.
But why 2 minutes? Is this just an arbitrary number? Actually, it isn’t!
Is two minutes enough to brush?
It’s a question that all moms face: is two minutes enough to brush teeth?
What if you just have time for one minute of brushing? Do I need to brush twice? And what about those little gaps in between – are they too small to be worth the effort?
No one likes to hear that they are doing something wrong. Especially when it comes to their children and most especially when we’re talking about brushing teeth.
But if you’ve ever wondered how long is enough, the answer is just two minutes! That’s right – two minutes of toothbrushing will do the trick.
According to a review of 33 articles published in Journal of Dental Research, it was found that brushing fewer than two times a day was consistently associated with more tooth decay, aka cavities, than brushing twice a day or more.
How many times a day should kids brush their teeth?
Kids should brush twice a day, morning and evening, for two minutes each time.
They also need to floss at least once daily because plaque quickly builds up in between teeth.
Need creative ways to entertain and educate your kids? We have lots of free printable activities!
Kids are very susceptible to tooth decay due to their age so it is important that they make an effort with hygiene every single day!
One of the best things you can do for your kids is to teach them good habits. Start young, and it will pay off as they get older.
How do I make sure my kids are brushing for a full two minutes?
While there are lots of ways to make sure they brush the full two minutes, like you could stand behind them looking at your watch for two minutes, but let’s be honest, that scenario really isn’t enjoyable for either of you!
Like anything else having to do with raising children, the more fun you can make the routine, the faster time will fly.
Using something like this cute kids tooth brush with a timer is always handy.
Providing a fun toothbrush and toothpaste is another really good way to encourage healthy brushing habits.
Choose something with characters that your children love and they will look forward to the chore.
But our favorite option is through music! What kid doesn’t love to move to the groove? Even better that they have a mirror to watch themselves be silly in.
Tooth Brushing Songs for Kids
Here are some of our favorite songs to play and move along to while brushing our teeth.
These are just a few of my favorites, but really any song works. The key is to choose songs that help get your kids moving as they brush.
Once you get the child brushing, it’s much easier to work on good habits such as making sure that the teeth and gums are brushed for at least 2 minutes.
ABC’s
This one is good for when you don’t have access to your phone or music player and will work in a pinch.
You will need to sing it about 3 times to reach the two-minute mark, but it’s great for younger kids interesting in learning their letters. Two birds with one stone right?
Feist 1,2,3,4
If you need a catchy, feel-good song to keep the mood up I recommend 1234 by Feist.
It’s so cute and there is even an adorable Sesame Street version you can watch on YouTube.
This is a favorite song I have on my personal playlist regardless, so it’s my most used tooth brushing song.
Down By the Bay
Brush your teeth to this YouTube version of Down By the Bay – a silly, catchy song that almost 2 minutes on the button!
Down by the bay.
Where the watermelons grow.
Back to my home
I dare not go.
For if I do
my mother will say,
“Did you ever see a cat wearing a hat?”
Down by the bay.
Apples and Bananas
Apples and Bananas is a fun song for the kids to brush their teeth with. This one even teaches them vowels while they clean up!
What are some songs about brushing your teeth?
The above tooth brushing songs are perfect for humming or singing in your head while you brush your teeth, but what about songs that are actually ABOUT brushing your teeth?
Playtime Playlist has a great list that includes “The Toothbrush Song” and “Tiger with a Toothbrush”.
How can I get my toddler to enjoy brushing his teeth?
We have a bunch of Easy Tips to Get Your Toddler to Brush Their Teeth and ways to make brushing time fun.
In addition, here are some ideas from the American Dental Association:
Start a Routine and Stick to It
You may be tempted to let your child skip brushing after a long day or during times when your normal schedule is off (like vacation), but keep at it.
The more second nature brushing becomes the easier it will be to make sure your child is brushing twice a day for two minutes.
Reward Good Brushing Behavior
What motivates your child? If its stickers, make a reward chart and let him add one every time he brushes. If he’s a reader, let him pick out the bedtime story.
Maybe it’s as simple as asking to see that healthy smile, saying “I’m so proud of you” and following up with a huge high five.
Or try one of these 83 Words of Encouragement for Kids.
Characters Count
Who is the character your child can’t get enough of? Many children’s shows and books, including Sesame Street, have stories about brushing.
Watch and read them together, so when it’s time to brush you can use that character as a good example.
Make Up a Story
Haven’t found a story or character to inspire your child? Make up your own.
Your child just might be the only superhero who can brush away the bad guys that cause cavities.
Go Shopping
Let your child pick out his own toothbrush and toothpaste. (We recommend ones with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.)
Choosing a character toothbrush might make brushing more fun, and fluoride toothpastes come in a variety of flavors and colors.
Make Brushing a Family Affair
Your children learn from you, so set a good example. The family that brushes together has even more reason to smile.
If you have any other tips or tricks for getting your kids brushing, please share them in the comments section below.
My daughter is all grown up, and she’s always been a good brusher. I, on the other hand, need some motivation to hit the mark for myself! =D
What a great idea! I wish I thought of this.
We have not done the songs or anything to keep him brushing for 2 minutes. This is a great idea to try. he tries to be done on 30 seconds. Thank you for the tips
We don’t brush to music as my son would start dancing and playing and we don’t encourage that in the bathroom. We are very familiar with the Apples and Bananas song though.
My kids brush their teeth to the ABC song. Such a fun way to take care of oral health and to learn.