At LanguageHumanities, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
Learn more...
The Tooth Fairy is a cherished figure in childhood folklore, symbolizing a rite of passage as children lose their baby teeth. This mythical creature is said to exchange lost teeth for a small reward, often while a child sleeps. But where did this enchanting tradition originate? Uncover the magical history behind the Tooth Fairy and its cultural significance. What's your Tooth Fairy story?
Mary McMahon Last Modified Date: February 15, 2024
The tooth fairy is a legendary good fairy who collects teeth as children lose them, offering coins in exchange. She is part of a large and complex cultural tradition of good and bad fairies, and children all over the world leave teeth for the tooth fairy in the hopes of seeing some money in the morning. In some cultures, instead of money, children receive a treat or a toy from the tooth fairy, with some spoilsport tooth fairies leaving presents like toothbrushes or floss to encourage children to take care of their budding adult teeth.
Before delving into the story of the tooth fairy, you might be interested in hearing some background. Many cultures have a long history of superstition surrounding the loss of the milk teeth, the teeth which children use in their early years. In some societies, the loss of the milk or “baby” teeth is viewed as a rite of passage, with the loss of the teeth signaling a transition into adulthood. A history of performing some sort of ritual act with lost teeth is ancient.
A girl with a baby tooth missing.
Tied in with beliefs about the loss of the milk teeth are beliefs about witchcraft. Many cultures used to believe (and some still do) that if a witch manages to obtain a part of someone's body, he or she can use that body part to perform black magic. Milk teeth would be a prime target for witches, along with things like fingernail clippings and scraps of hair. As a result, many cultures had a tradition of putting milk teeth into safekeeping to ensure that they would not enter the hands of witches.
The tooth fairy make leave money for children who lose teeth.
Historically, some people buried milk teeth, fed them to animals, or saved them so that they could keep an eye on them. As early as the 1600s, legends about fairies who collected baby teeth began to arise, but it wasn't until the early 1900s that people started leaving offerings for the tooth fairy. This good fairy is supposed to take care of lost milk teeth, ensuring that their owner grows up healthy and strong.
Children start to lose their baby teeth by about age 6.
The tradition of leaving money behind in exchange for a tooth also reflects very old beliefs about fairies. In English folklore especially, there is a long tradition of leaving gifts for fairies and receiving presents in return. The fairies are in a sense rewarding the people who offer them assistance, and in the case of the tooth fairy, the money is an expression of thanks for the tooth, and a reward for bearing the discomfort associated with losing milk teeth.
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced theexciting challenge of being a LanguageHumanities researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College andspends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Learn more... Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced theexciting challenge of being a LanguageHumanities researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College andspends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
@oceanswimmer: Some of the common answers to our children’s questions of “Where did my teeth go” are:
They were given to newborn babies who don’t have teeth yet.
They were given to Santa to put in dolls that they make in their workshop.
They were turned into seashells for fish to live in.
The teeth were turned into the stars in the sky.
The fairy grinds them into fairy dust that she uses when she flies.
They are used to make tooth castles in the sky.
Those are some of the responses that I have heard over the years from various people.
OceanSwimmer
Some kids have been told that a mouse comes and takes the teeth and leaves a treasure under the pillow. This story came after the publication of “La Bonne Petite Souris,” from the 18th Century. The mouse in the story hides under the pillow of the evil King. The mouse then changes into a fairy and knocks out all of the King’s teeth. Eventually, the story changed the mouse to a fairy.
So, what do we, as parents, tell our children the tooth fairy did with their teeth?
BoatHugger
Back in the day, the Vikings used to pay their children a “tooth fee”. It was a fee for the use of the children’s teeth. The teeth were taken and then strung onto a necklace or other jewelry. The Vikings strongly believed the power of the children’s teeth would help to aid them in battle.
Another story was, as the article stated, the teeth were hidden from witches or evil spirits so that they couldn’t be used to place curses. The tooth would often be planted in a garden near the house. In doing so, that assured that the new adult tooth would grow in its place.
bubblebee24
i have seen a fairy before so don't go and diss them and saying that they are mythical creatures!
A great way to determine the answer is to respond, "Why do you ask?" or "What do you think?" If he or she seems ready for the truth, give it to them. However, if they want to hold on to the story a bit longer, simply say, "Well, I absolutely believe in the magic of the tooth fairy!"
Other versions of the folklore say she builds castles with the teeth, she crushes and makes fairy dust with the teeth that are not so clean, she places teeth in the sky so they shine as brightly as stars, and that she makes them into pretty jewellery which she gives out as gifts.
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.
You don't want your children to feel like they can't trust you once they find out the truth. Explain to your children that the Tooth Fairy is a tradition that has been around for decades. If your children seem to be upset with your answer to the question is the Tooth Fairy real, make something positive out of it.
The folklore states that when children lose one of their baby teeth, they should place it underneath their pillow or on their bedside table; the Tooth Fairy will visit while they sleep, replacing the lost tooth with a small payment.
The tooth fairy may not be real, but it's still a fun way to talk to your kids about their oral health. Lombard dentist, Dr. Brett Blacher likes to make pediatric dentistry fun for kids and is always ready to encourage preventative dentistry to all his patients, young and old.
The Tooth Fairy stops visiting a child when they have lost all of their baby teeth or when they stop believing in the magic. Children begin loosing baby teeth between the age of four and eight. This process continues until a child is around nine to twelve years old.
Explain that the tooth fairy is a fantasy story that many believe in but is inaccurate. Remember that even though the tooth fairy stories for kids may not be real, the fun and joy of losing a tooth and receiving a reward is still genuine.
When Should I Tell My Kid the Tooth Fairy's a Myth? Consider your child's age and maturity level. Typically, children start questioning the Tooth Fairy between the ages of 7 and 9. By this time, they may have already heard whispers from their peers or noticed inconsistencies in the Tooth Fairy's visits.
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.
"There is no such thing as being too old to believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy," Kelman tells Yahoo Life. "Letting kids figure it out on their own is preferable to parents breaking the news to them.
You might tell your child: “Even though there's no actual Easter bunny, the magic of Easter is really about doing all the fun things together with our family and friends, and showing each other we love them by giving chocolate gifts.”
The dew was too heavy. Her wings got wet, and she couldn't fly. The Tooth Fairy was on vacation, and the substitute Tooth Fairy didn't know what she was doing. She couldn't get to your pillow due to your messy room.
I see you lost your very first tooth! You are growing up so fast. I was so excited to come to your house to see how big you're getting. Thank you for leaving a beautiful tooth for me to add to my collection.
Tell them that the Tooth Fairy takes one day off a week
If the Tooth Fairy forgot to come collect, then tell your little one that everyone needs a day off. Even if they were slightly disappointed, just let them know that the day the Fairy chooses is always random and it just means they will come the next day.
Address: 2033 Gerhold Pine, Port Jocelyn, VA 12101-5654
Phone: +8524399971620
Job: Central Manufacturing Supervisor
Hobby: Jogging, Metalworking, Tai chi, Shopping, Puzzles, Rock climbing, Crocheting
Introduction: My name is Edmund Hettinger DC, I am a adventurous, colorful, gifted, determined, precious, open, colorful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
Mary McMahon 
