The Tooth Fairy: Fun Dental Traditions Explained

Tooth Fairy History

The Tooth Fairy is probably one of your family’s favorite visitors. This magical sprite visits children who’ve lost a tooth, usually leaving money under pillows during their visit. Have you ever wondered where this tradition started and why it’s so common among Indianapolis pediatric dental families? Learn more about the Tooth Fairy with Pediatric Dentistry West and see how this fun story can help keep your child’s mouth healthy.

How The Tooth Fairy Came To Indianapolis

Our modern idea of the tooth fairy has a long history that draws from many different backgrounds. Worldwide, many other traditions about baby teeth have evolved over the years. Most societies have some ritual that rules lost baby teeth. From burying teeth to burning them, most children expect something special to happen to their teeth. 

Teeth are the only body part that healthy children naturally lose, so many different superstitions developed regarding teeth. One European folk myth involved a magical mouse who visited children’s rooms and carried away their baby teeth. The Tooth Fairy as we know it in American is a combination of this magical mouse and the more general idea of special fairies. 

The first recorded mention of the Tooth Fairy is found in a children’s play written by Esther Watkins Arnold back in 1927. The Tooth Fairy is almost 100 years old! The Tooth Fairy has been spreading through America’s children ever since. Disney movies featuring fairies helped this idea become even more popular over time.

The Modern Tooth Fairy

What do today’s kids expect from the Tooth Fairy? When children lose a baby tooth, they put the tooth under their pillow at night so the Tooth Fairy can come to visit. After they fall asleep, the Tooth Fairy visits and collects the lost tooth—in exchange for leaving money behind. 

The Tooth Fairy’s rate seems to vary by region and family tradition. Some children receive coins, which has been the usual payment since the Tooth Fairy arrived in the 1920s. However, today’s families may see bigger payouts of paper money. The average Tooth Fairy payment is now approaching $5 per tooth.

The Tooth Fairy Loves Healthy Teeth

Exciting visits from the Tooth Fairy are a great way to encourage healthy dental habits. After all, the Tooth Fairy loves to add clean, healthy teeth to their collection. Please help your child keep their mouth clean through regular brushing. Pediatric Dentistry West, your Indianapolis children’s dentist, can help you learn age-appropriate brushing, flossing, and other painless tricks to keep the Tooth Fairy happy. And in the meantime, be sure to have a fiver on hand for the next visit.