Let’s Hear It For The Tooth Fairy!

Most people are familiar with Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, but there’s one mythical character that is all over the world and crosses all religions. That special childhood visitor also has its own national holiday that is celebrated in August on National Tooth Fairy Day! 

When a child loses a tooth, the Tooth Fairy will pay him or her a visit in the middle of the night and leave money or toys in exchange for the tooth. At least, that’s current-day tradition.

But where did the Tooth Fairy come from?

Interestingly enough, the history of the Tooth Fairy wasn’t traced back until the 1990s and there’s some dispute on where it originally came from. Some believe that it began in Italy when La Bafana, also known as the Italian version of Santa Claus, left coins for children in exchange for a tooth. Others believe that it originated from France during the late 19th Century when the Virgin Mary exchanged a coin or present for a tooth left under a child’s pillow. 

The closest story to today's version of the Tooth Fairy dates back to the 17th Century with a French fairy tale called, “Le Bonne Petite Souris”, or “The Good Little Mouse”.  This fairy tale tells a story about a good queen who is held captive by a bad king. She gains help from a mouse, who is secretly a fairy. The fairy turns into a mouse in the evening so that he can sneak and rob the king of all of his teeth, which he then hides under the king's pillow before having him assassinated. The tale is not one of a modern-day fairy tale or something that we would consider telling a child today, but many cultures have shared this tale and incorporated a mouse as their Tooth Fairy. 

Looking for fun ways to connect with your child and celebrate National Tooth Fairy Day? 

1. Create a Tooth Fairy Pillow This is a great first sewing project that you can do with your child. Create a pillow to safely tuck away the lost tooth, and for the Tooth Fairy to snuggle a special gift back into. (If you’re looking for a project that doesn’t require sewing, try a Tooth Fairy Bag that your child can decorate!) 
2. Talk about teeth and dental hygiene Read a book or connect with your child by talking about the importance of dental hygiene and teeth brushing. 
3. Watch a Movie  Get comfy and turn on a movie where the star is The Tooth Fairy!  “Tooth Fairy” and  “Toothless” are two of the most popular movies about the Tooth Fairy!
4. Create magic Tooth Fairy dust  Get ready for the day that the Tooth Fairy pays your child a visit by creating magic dust. Place glitter in a bag so it’s all ready. On the night that your child loses a tooth, sprinkle it in the drive, patio, or yard so that it glistens when light hits it. Share the “magic” of the glisten with your child, letting them know that it will light the way for the Tooth Fairy.