“Tooth fairy, tooth fairy, please come while I sleep.
My tooth’s under my pillow… It’s yours to keep.”
Many of us have such fond memories of losing our teeth and then retrieving a coin or two as children. In honor of Tooth Fairy Day, we thought we’d delve into the origin story of how this practice got started and continues today!
The Tooth Fairy Has Interesting Roots
Scholars have found recorded writings describing the tradition of the giving of a “tooth fee” for a child’s first tooth as far back as the 13th century (c. 1200) within the Northern European and Norse traditions. According to Norse culture, articles belonging to children, especially teeth, were regarded as good luck in battle. Scandinavian warriors would adorn children’s teeth on necklaces as part of their garb. Vikings were also said to have paid children for their teeth.
During the Middle Ages there were strange superstitions regarding children’s teeth. In England, parents were to burn their children’s teeth to save them from supposed hardships in the afterlife. It was also believed that if a witch found your child’s tooth, they would have total power over them.
More modern renditions have been traced back to a 1908 publication in the Chicago Daily Tribune as a “Household Hints” article for housewives. It was viewed as a “fun activity” to engage in. Many also believed that it was to comfort a child over loss of the tooth. When you think about it at its core, the experience is kind of weird and can be a bit frightening to a young one. There was also a notion that adding a bit of fantasy for their child to believe in gives the parent comfort that their baby wasn’t growing up too fast.
The Rewards Vary
A 2015 survey found American children receive an average of $3.19 per lost tooth. The rewards left vary by a lot of factors, including country and economic status. The same survey puts $1 as the most popular amount given, with the runner-up amount being $5.
Different Cultural Practices
In Italy, a small mouse plays the “tooth fairy”. In France, French-speaking Belgium, and parts of Lowland Scotland, they also depict a mouse in this role.
In Japan, you might have heard that they throw baby teeth on the ground and the roof, depending on if they came from the top or bottom row. This is so that their adult teeth will grow in strait. In South Korea, you throw all baby teeth on the roof. This is so that a magpie (bird) will find it and bring good luck or a gift.
In Middle Eastern countries, they throw baby teeth towards the sun or to Allah. This tradition is found to have been mentioned by a scholar all the way back in the 13th century.
The Tooth Fairy’s Legacy
There have been many books and media depictions of the Tooth Fairy over time. Even horror movies have been made with the inspiration of the tooth fairy’s lore. Whatever cultural reference you relate to, there is probably literature on it. We hope you enjoyed learning about this tradition and have fun carrying it on with your little ones!
While we don’t pay you for your teeth, we can help you keep them healthy. We offer family appointment blocks so you can get the entire gang in to see us on a single visit! If you have any questions about pediatric dentistry or would like to schedule an appointment with your Mason children’s dentist, Miami Valley Smiles in Mason Ohio, give us a call today at (513) 398-0038 or request an appointment online! We look forward to smiling with you.
