The Tooth Fairy Tradition Lives On - The Dental Care Center (2024)

The Tooth Fairy Tradition Lives On
Feb 17, 2021

The Tooth Fairy Tradition Lives On - The Dental Care Center (1)

The Tooth Fairy is known as America’s fairy. She was introduced to the world in 1927, in a book called “The Tooth Fairy,” by Esther Watkins Arnold. We oftenThe Tooth Fairy Tradition Lives On - The Dental Care Center (2) imagine the Tooth Fairy looking like something out of a Disney movie, but her intentions and origin are unknown to most. Sure, we know she comes into children’s bedrooms, collects teeth from under their pillow, and leaves a token of her appreciation.

But why does she do these things? Maybe your child has asked and you want to give a good explanation, or perhaps you are just curious about learning about a childhood memory that has left you with questions through adulthood.

The Tooth Fairy Story

According to Watkins, the Tooth Fairy resides by a riverbank in the roots of a nice, big tree that overlooks the landscape. She collects all sorts of human trinkets that wash up on her beach from the river. Not only does she love collecting these items, but she can also feel the person’s memories by touching the items. The one item she always wanted and missed from her collection: a tooth from a child. Children are so excited after losing teeth that she wanted to feel those memories and hold onto them as children grow older.

A little girl was playing by the riverbank one day and had a loose tooth. The Tooth Fairy got the courage to ask the small girl if she could have the tooth. Although she hadn’t lost her tooth yet, the small girl agreed. She said she would put it under her pillow at home when it fell out and the Tooth Fairy was more than welcome to have it. It eventually fell out and the Tooth Fairy visited her at home to collect the tooth. She left a silver coin in its place to thank the little girl.

Upon waking up, the little girl was so excited about her silver coin, that she told everyone at school. Eventually, children from all over the world began putting their baby teeth under their pillow for the Tooth Fairy to collect.

What are kids earning these days?

Almost a century later, the Tooth Fairy is still visiting children and replacing their lost teeth with money. But what started out as a small silver token has evolved into children earning cash. A recent study shows that children are earning three to five dollars per tooth. Earning more or earning less per tooth can lead to animosity on the playground, so it is best to stay within this range.

When does the Tooth Fairy stop visiting?

The Tooth Fairy stops visiting children at different ages. Some may keep the tradition until all baby teeth are gone, but others think 12 years is a little too old to continue the game. One thing is for sure: children grow up too fast, so our two cents: keep the tradition alive as long as you can. Plus, you may realize later that as the Tooth Fairy, you miss the tradition, too!

The Tooth Fairy Tradition Lives On - The Dental Care Center (2024)

FAQs

How do you answer what the Tooth Fairy does with teeth? ›

The Tooth Fairy is very particular about the teeth she collects and uses for her castle, so if the child's tooth has a cavity or dark spot, she will throw the bad tooth into the mouth of a big cave where it will be ground up into fairy dust.

Is the Tooth Fairy real answer? ›

They point out that there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of the tooth fairy. Additionally, some parents admit to playing the role of the tooth fairy themselves, further fueling doubts about its reality.

What does the Tooth Fairy do with all of the teeth? ›

So, what does she do with all those teeth? It's believed that the Tooth Fairy uses these teeth to help build the fairy community where she lives. Other times she will make jewelry for herself and her friends.

What does Ratoncito Perez do with the teeth? ›

The tradition when a child loses a tooth is for him or her to place it under the pillow, so that Ratoncito Pérez will exchange it for a gift. The tradition is almost universal in Spanish cultures and takes different forms in different areas.

What does a tooth fairy give for the first tooth? ›

There are many good tooth fairy gifts for your child losing their first tooth. The tooth fairy can bring a personalized letter, a small keepsake box, a baby tooth chart, or fun tooth-friendly gifts.

What do you say when a child asks the tooth fairy? ›

Consider the true meaning behind the question.

Ask them why they ask or what their thoughts are on the topic. If you feel they are ready for the truth, give it to them. But, if they seem like they are holding on to the hope that the Tooth Fairy is real, give them a chance to believe. You should also consider their age.

Is the tooth fairy your mom or dad? ›

However, many parents are faced with the dilemma of whether or not to perpetuate the myth. While the tooth fairy stories for kids are a fun tradition that many children enjoy, it is essential to remember that it is just a myth and it's the parents that leave behind the money or gifts left under the pillow.

What age is tooth fairy not real? ›

Children typically start to question whether the tooth fairy is real between the ages of 4 and 7. If a child is younger than 4, it might be wise to conceal the truth for a little while longer.

Is The tooth fairy a guy or a girl? ›

There is also no agreement on what exactly the tooth fairy looks like. Around 75% of people believe the tooth fairy is a female, while others believe in a male or animal form. The tooth fairy's appearance also varies from imagination to imagination, says Renfro.

How much money does the tooth fairy give for a tooth? ›

On average, the Tooth Fairy leaves around $5, but some kids may receive up to $20 for a single tooth or an exceptional tooth. Some families may give a larger amount for the first tooth lost, while others may opt for non-monetary gifts such as stickers or toys.

Does the tooth fairy still come if you swallow your tooth? ›

Sometimes we also get questions about accidental tooth swallowing. Although not a part of the plan, a swallowed tooth is typically harmless and will naturally pass. The tooth fairy will understand if there isn't a tooth to place under the child's pillow.

Can my child call the tooth fairy? ›

Your child can let the tooth fairy know that they lost a tooth. Your child can also hear her tip of the month or leave her a message. The call is free.

What does the Tooth Fairy pay for rotten teeth? ›

According to a survey, the national average is $4.57 per tooth. In some households, the Tooth Fairy may leave a small amount of money, while in others, the reward might be more substantial.

Does Mexico have a tooth fairy? ›

In many Spanish speaking countries, such as Spain, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Argentina and Columbia, Ratoncito Perez or El Raton de Los Dientes is a mouse who collects children's teeth from under their pillows or from a glass of water at night. Like the tooth fairy, he replaces the tooth with a gift or money.

What do parents do with Tooth Fairy teeth? ›

Some people discard baby teeth, while others hold onto them. For those of you who are thinking of keeping your child's baby teeth after they have fallen off, you can clean them well and put them in keepsake boxes, turn them into jewelry pieces, or save them for your child's future science projects.

What does the Tooth Fairy do with your teeth book? ›

Denise Barry , Andy Boerger (Illustrator) What does the Tooth Fairy do with our teeth? Lots of things! From the sparkles in the snow to the stars in the sky—see all the amazing, unique, magical things the Tooth Fairy does with our teeth in this award winning book.

Where do your teeth go when the Tooth Fairy takes them? ›

Perhaps the tooth fairy sends lost teeth into the sky to become stars. Maybe the healthy teeth get used as bricks for her tooth fairy castle. Maybe she grinds them all down to make magical fairy dust. Or, most likely, it's the tooth fairy's best-kept secret.

What to do when kid asks if Tooth Fairy is real? ›

Consider What They Are Really Asking

If it seems as though they are ready for the truth, give it to them. However, if they appear to be hoping to hold on to the story a bit longer, keep it going by simply explaining, "Well, I absolutely believe in the magic of the Tooth Fairy!"

How do you explain the Tooth Fairy? ›

Once upon a time, in a magical land beyond the clouds, there lived a tiny, winged tooth fairy. The tooth fairy had a special job to do. Her mission was to collect the lost baby teeth of children all around the world. Legend has it that when a child loses a tooth, they are to place it under their pillow before bedtime.

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