Tooth Brushing


Tooth Brushing is a short educational film based upon the comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz. It was originally created in 1978 for the American Dental Association. The film was directed by Bill Melendez, in the style of the animated Peanuts TV specials which aired on CBS. It was distributed to schools in 16 mm film format.

Plot

Charlie Brown is seen leaving the office of Dr. Jones, his dentist, in a happy and excited mood, as the dentist has given him instructions on proper tooth brushing. He encounters Snoopy on the way home and asks his dog to join him to practice the techniques. They reach the van Pelt house, where Linus invites them inside. In the van Pelt bathroom, Charlie Brown shares what he learned with Linus and Snoopy. As Charlie Brown explains how to brush their teeth properly, both Linus and Snoopy demonstrate the desired techniques, clearly shown so the audience can see. Snoopy uses Lucy's toothbrush, much to Linus' horror. Lucy returns home to find her brother and friends gathered in the bathroom. Charlie Brown begins to explain how he's teaching them the proper brushing techniques, but Lucy cuts him off mid-sentence and proceeds, in her usual confident fashion, to demonstrate her own abilities. As Charlie Brown and Linus react with disgust, Lucy uses her brush to prove that she's the best at brushing her teeth. As Charlie Brown and Snoopy leave, Charlie scolds Snoopy saying, "Don't ever use anyone else's toothbrush!" He also tells Linus that the dentist wants him to return soon for instructions on the proper use of dental floss; while he says this, Snoopy takes out a packet of floss and snaps a short piece, twirls it between his fingers, and uses it, leaving Charlie Brown to say: "Good grief! Why can't I have a normal dog like everyone else?". He then walks away, followed by Snoopy.

Voices

These are the same voice actors used on the CBS animated Peanuts specials of the era.

Musical score

Tooth Brushing was produced after the death of longtime Peanuts TV specials composer Vince Guaraldi. Here, several variations of "The Heartburn Waltz" were used, taken from the score to Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown, which had debuted on CBS January 28, 1975.

Sequels

A second Peanuts educational film about teeth, It's Dental Flossophy, Charlie Brown, was released the following year.