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

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

This idea probably goes back to the ancient belief that witches and wizards gain power over a person if they possess a part of them – a lock of hair, for example, 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 loose teeth and to view physical development as something positive.

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

What happens when the tooth fairy comes?

Familiar faces: Most children are already familiar with the tooth fairy before they lose their first baby tooth. In recent years the custom has also spread widely in Germany, so older children or kindergarten teachers have probably already told them about the tooth fairy. If not, you can tell your child about the tooth fairy at the latest when the first tooth starts to wobble. This way they can get used to the idea of losing a tooth.

Place the tooth: Your child places their tooth under the pillow before going to sleep. Alternatively - so that you can reach the tooth more easily at night or so it won't get lost in the bed, they can also put the tooth in a glass and place it on their nightstand.

Exchange: The tooth fairy comes while your child is sleeping, takes the baby tooth, and leaves a small gift or some money, which 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 happy about the tooth and ask your child to 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 the baby tooth suddenly appears "as if by magic". You can also collect the baby teeth in a tooth box and, for example, present them to your child ceremonially 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 gift 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 happier to receive some money.

Preparation is everything

If a child is beaming on a Sunday morning holding their baby tooth in their hand, you can easily start to sweat – where do you quickly get a suitable gift? The best thing is to have a supply of small gifts on hand – this can also be very useful on other occasions. If it is not possible to get a gift on the same day, you can instead put a few coins in a small pouch or a pretty box. Or your child receives a letter from the tooth fairy in which she apologizes that she unfortunately had so much to do the previous night. The gift will then come the following night.

What gifts are suitable for the tooth fairy?

Although children love sweets, the tooth fairy should not bring chocolate or candy. That is 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 with a gap-toothed smile laughs © mytrykau - stock.adobe.com