By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert
If you have ever tucked a tiny lost tooth beneath your pillow and awakened the next morning to discover a surprise in its place, you have experienced one of childhood’s most magical traditions: a visit from the Tooth Fairy! In honor of Tooth Fairy Day, celebrated in August, you can take a moment to appreciate the fascinating history behind this beloved character. While the modern Tooth Fairy is especially popular in the United States and other English-speaking countries, the idea of doing something special with a child’s lost tooth is much older. In fact, traditions surrounding baby teeth have existed for centuries. One early influence may have come from Norse customs, in which children’s teeth were sometimes kept as good-luck charms. Over time, stories, superstitions, and family traditions evolved, eventually helping create the winged, gift-giving Tooth Fairy you know today.
Around the world, however, you may discover that not every child leaves a tooth beneath a pillow! In Spain and many Spanish-speaking countries, children may look forward to a visit from Ratoncito Pérez, a small mouse who collects lost teeth and leaves a gift or coin behind. France has La Petite Souris, or “the little mouse,” while similar tooth-collecting mice appear in traditions throughout other parts of Europe and Latin America. In some countries, children may throw a lost tooth onto a roof, bury it, place it in a special location, or even toss it toward the sun while making a wish or saying a traditional rhyme. No matter how the tradition is celebrated, losing a baby tooth is often treated as an exciting milestone—and a reason to make childhood just a little more magical.
You can also keep the Tooth Fairy tradition alive through books that turn the experience of losing a tooth into an adventure. Some fun children’s titles to explore include The Night Before the Tooth Fairy by Natasha Wing, How to Catch the Tooth Fairy by Adam Wallace, The Tooth Fairy by Peter Bently, and Dear Tooth Fairy by Alan Durant. Reading a Tooth Fairy story with your child can make a wiggly tooth feel exciting rather than scary, while also giving you an opportunity to talk about why baby teeth fall out and why taking care of the new permanent teeth is so important. After all, while the Tooth Fairy may only visit when a tooth comes out, your child’s smile needs attention every single day!
As your child grows, you can help make each stage of dental development a positive experience. From that first tiny tooth to the arrival of permanent teeth, regular dental visits, good brushing habits, flossing, and a healthy diet can all play an important role in protecting a growing smile. And when that baby tooth finally becomes loose, you can celebrate the milestone together—whether your family follows the traditional Tooth Fairy, a tooth-collecting mouse, or a completely unique tradition of your own. The magic is often found in the memories you create and in helping your child feel proud and excited about growing up.
This fun Tooth Fairy Day blog comes to you from Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert of Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, MN, where you and your family can receive comprehensive dental care for every stage of life. From a child’s first dental visits and those exciting Tooth Fairy years to caring for adult and lifelong smiles, our goal is to help you enjoy healthy teeth and a smile you can feel good about. Our motto says it best: “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles!” So, whether you are waiting for the Tooth Fairy’s next visit or simply helping your family keep their smiles healthy, we hope you have a magical—and cavity-free—Tooth Fairy Day! Call or text us to set up your next appointment today – 651-482-8412!