The excitement your child experiences when losing a baby tooth is something you will always remember. You’re likely rummaging through your wallet to make sure you have money to put under the pillow as you prepare to assume the role of Tooth Fairy. This mythical creature brings coins or dollars in exchange for lost teeth, and is known throughout the world among children, but do all countries follow this same “protocol?” When preparing your child for their visit from the Tooth Fairy, feel free to share some of these unique stories about how others welcome the “Keeper of the Teeth.”
Where Did the Tooth Fairy Originate?
The Tooth Fairy we know today is believed to have originated in the early 1900s in the United States. This kind, beautiful, and fluttering creature makes her way into the homes of young children who have lost a tooth, carefully taking each one and leaving money behind for them to enjoy when they wake up.
However, its darker origins stem from Norse traditions and the days of the Vikings. Children were paid for their lost teeth, and warriors would wear necklaces fashioned with them, as they believed it brought good luck in battle.
During the medieval ages in Europe, children buried their baby teeth to keep witches from finding them and having power over them. In other parts, teeth were burned to keep little ones from having to look for them in the afterlife.
What Myths Exist Today in Other Parts of the World?
While you may not want to share the darker origins of the Tooth Fairy with your child, there’s a good chance you’ve already explained to them the nicer version that we all know and love.
If you haven’t, or you want to get them even more excited about their upcoming visit, here are a few additional tales from around the globe:
- In Spanish-speaking countries, Ratocinto Perez is a tooth mouse who visits the homes of children who have lost a tooth. After collecting its loot from under the little one’s pillow, a small amount of money is left behind; however, in countries like Argentina, children place the tooth in a glass of water, so the mouse can drink its contents and take the tooth before leaving a gift.
- In Korea and Brazil, children toss their lost teeth onto the roof so that a bird will pick them up and leave them new ones. A similar tradition occurs in Egypt, Jordon, Iraq, and other Middle Eastern countries. Children will throw their tooth in the air in the hopes that the sun will send a new adult one in its place.
- Lithuanian kids keep their baby teeth in a box so a piece a jewelry can be fashioned later.
- In Turkey, baby teeth are buried near a location that serves as a hopeful career choice for the child when they grow older.
These are just a few of the many stories about the Tooth Fairy. While she may come in various types throughout the world, one thing remains the same – losing a baby tooth is an exciting time in your child’s life; one that is certainly worth celebrating.
About the Author
Dr. Katiana Cruet is a board-certified pediatric dentist with 10+ years of experience. Her desire to treat children so they can reap the reward of a healthier smile is why she continues to pursue this career choice. Working closely with parents, she and the team at Healthy Kids Pediatric Dentistry remain engaged in identifying ways to get children excited about oral healthcare. If your little one recently lost a tooth, and you are unsure how to approach the idea of the Tooth Fairy, visit our website or call (301) 871-8880.