Musical Tooth Brushing
Here's What To Do
1
Pick a tooth brushing song. It can be any song 1-2 minutes in length, or search "tooth brushing song" on the internet.
2
Play the song a few times and encourage your child to learn the song.
3
Play or sing your tooth brushing song while brushing your child's teeth. For older kids, you can pause for them to spit toothpaste in the sink.
4
Repeat every time you brush your child's teeth.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Make sure your child is facing you and standing with two still feet.
E
Engage:
- "Let's pick a song to use every time you brush your teeth. What do you think about this one?"
- "We're going to keep brushing until this song is over. Do you think you can do it? I do!"
E
Encourage:
- If your child makes it the full 1-2 minutes, give them a high five, hug, or other celebration.
- For really reluctant brushers, try some other ways to make it fun. Have a stuffed animal "hold" the toothbrush, or have your child "teach" their doll how to brush their teeth.
R
Reflect:
- What do we think of this new part of our routine? Can we try it for a few days and see if we like it?
Not quite ready?
Pick a shorter song and gradually build to a longer song.
Ready for more?
Let your child take a turn brushing their teeth after you're done.
As your child masters this skill...
They will participate in teeth brushing twice a day with little resistance.