Where does the custom of the tooth fairy actually come from?

The story of the tooth fairy has its roots in Britain and came to America with immigrants in the 19th century. In the original conception, the tooth fairy exchanges children's baby teeth for a small gold coin.

This notion likely goes back to the ancient belief that witches and sorcerers gain power over a person if they possess a part of them, for example a lock of hair or a tooth. Therefore it was important to know that a lost tooth was in good hands. At the same time, the tooth fairy was meant to help children lose their fear of wobbly teeth and to view physical development as something positive.

Other cultures also have practices concerning lost teeth. For example, baby teeth are burned, buried, or fed to animals. In some countries, instead of the tooth fairy it is the tooth mouse that collects the tooth and leaves a gift in return.

What happens when the tooth fairy comes?

Old acquaintances: Most children are already familiar with the tooth fairy before they lose their first baby tooth. In recent years the custom has also become widespread in Germany, so older children or daycare workers have likely already told them about the tooth fairy. If not, you can tell your child about the tooth fairy by the time the first tooth starts to wobble. That way they can get used to the idea of losing a tooth.

Placing the tooth: Your child places their tooth under their pillow before going to sleep. Alternatively - so you can more easily reach the tooth at night or so it doesn't get lost in the bed - they can put the tooth in a glass and place it on their bedside table.

Exchange: The tooth fairy comes while your child sleeps, takes the baby tooth, and leaves a small gift or some money that your child finds the next morning upon waking.

Letter from the tooth fairy: Especially with the first lost tooth, the tooth fairy may also leave a letter for each child. In it she might, for example, write that she is very pleased with the tooth and ask that your child take good care of their new tooth and brush it properly.

Where to put the teeth? In some families children have their own baby tooth box, in which after a few weeks "as if by magic" the baby tooth suddenly appears. You can also collect the baby teeth in a tooth box and ceremoniously present them to your child, for example on their 18th birthday.

What does the tooth fairy bring?

Money or gifts?

What the tooth fairy brings varies from family to family. Basically, a nicely wrapped present is, of course, nicer than a coin because the surprise is greater. But if your child is, for example, saving for a particular toy, they will probably be more pleased with some money.

Preparation is everything

If a child beams with joy on a Sunday morning holding their baby tooth in their hand, you can start to break out in a sweat — where do you quickly get a suitable present? It’s best to have a supply of small gifts on hand — this can also be very useful on other occasions. If it’s not possible to get a present on the same day, you can instead put a few coins in a small pouch or a pretty box. Or your child could receive a letter from the tooth fairy apologizing that she unfortunately had so much to do the previous night. The present will then arrive on the following night.

What gifts are suitable for the tooth fairy?

Even though children love sweets, the tooth fairy shouldn’t bring chocolate or candies. That’s hard to reconcile with the message that your child should take good care of their teeth. Cater to your child’s preferences: little bookworms get a picture book, little artists perhaps some special pens or a coloring book. CDs and small games are also a good idea for the tooth fairy.

Image credits

Child laughing with a missing tooth © mytrykau - stock.adobe.com