Experts have devised a musical formula for brushing your teeth – and it matches global smash hit Gangnam Style.
The mathematical calculation works out the pattern of beats which delivers the number of brush strokes needed to help kids get a complete clean, and fans of Korean rapper and dance sensation Psy, whose music video recently hit one billion views on YouTube, will be pleased to know that the smash hit tune fits perfectly to the formula.
It edged past Canadian teen pin-up Justin Bieber's smash hit song ‘Baby’, Rihanna’s ‘Diamonds’, Carly Rae Jepsen’s ‘Call Me Maybe’ and even the UK’s biggest songs of 2012, including Olly Murs’ ‘Troublemaker’ and Cheryl Cole’s ‘Call My Name’, all of which also match the calculation designed to help children brush better (scroll down for full list of pop songs).
Dental expert Tina Tanna, who worked with the makers of Aquafresh to create the brushing technique, said: “Children must brush at least 35 times on each side of the mouth - using seven strokes in five areas – to ensure their teeth and gums stay healthy.
“Even if your children’s dental hygiene hasn’t been great in the past, you still have time to change it and make a big improvement to their teeth. Using the formula and brushing technique together is designed to help make teeth cleaning fun and have your child’s smile sparkling.”
An expert from the Brighton Institute of Modern Music and a dental professional have created the formula for the makers of Aquafresh, so parents can help their children to keep on top of their brushing.
The equation, created by renowned music expert and Ivor Novello nominee Jim Williams, shows that songs that have eight bars of music, followed by another two sets of four bars can encourage brushing. They must also include a double chorus and middle ‘bridging’ section known as a double eight.
The clever calculation helps children focus on different parts of their mouths while brushing and also helps them to know when to move on to the next section. As sections in the song are repeated, parents can ensure their children go back and cover any teeth they may have missed.
The formula and brushing technique was devised for the makers of Aquafresh after their recent research revealed over half of parents described themselves as ‘stressed’ by their children’s incorrect tooth brushing techniques.
One in ten parents confessed to having regular arguments with their children over brushing, whilst a further one in nine kids claimed brushing was ‘boring’.
The research also revealed that almost a quarter of UK kids only brush once a day instead of the recommended twice daily.
Furthermore, over half of parents claimed their kids have at times skipped brushing their teeth, with over a quarter snubbing the routine at least once a week.
Lesley Stonier, Senior Brand Manager for Aquafresh, said, “Brushing teeth is essential to children’s oral health but it can be a battle for mums and dads to get them to do it properly.
“This new formula and top songs to brush to are designed to help put the fun into brushing time. Using these tunes to establish a good teeth cleaning routine with your children will set them up with good dental hygiene for life.”
Based on the musical formula, the music expert compiled the following list of top 10 songs for pop, dance and singles tracks, for your kids to brush to:
Top Number One Singles of 2012
1. Psy - Gangnam Style
2. Rihanna - Diamond
3. Gotye - Somebody that I used to know
4. Olly Murs - Troublemaker
5. Wiley - Heatwave
6. Cheryl Cole - Call My Name
7. Carly Rae Jepson - Call Me Maybe
8. DJ Fresh ft. Rita Ora - Hot Right Now
9. Sam and the Womp - Bom Bom
10. Cover Drive - Twilight
Top Dance Songs of All Time
1. Michael Jackson - Thriller
2. Soulja Boy - Crank That
3. Wigfield - Saturday Night
4. Little Eva - Locomotion
5. Village People - YMCA
6. Los Del Rio - Macarena
7. Steps - 5, 6, 7, 8
8. Las Ketchup - The Ketchup Song
9. Rocky Horror Picture Show - The Time Warp
10. Kaoma - Lambada
Top Pop Songs of the Last Decade
1. Justin Bieber - Baby
2. Beyonce and Jay-Z - Crazy in Love
3. Lady Gaga - Bad Romance
4. Take That - Shine
5. JLS - Beat Again
6. Kelly Clarkson - Since U Been Gone
7. Tinie Tempah - Pass Out
8. One Direction - What Makes You Beautiful
9. Cee Lo Green - Forget You
10. B.O.B - Aeroplanes
To help get your kids to brush, parents can download a brushing guide, top tips and other ideas on how to make brush time more fun at www.aquafreshclub.co.uk
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Tagged in Teeth Parenting children Justin Bieber children's health Parenting Advice Parenting Tips Parenting Style PSY