Legend of the Tooth Fairy

Just like Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy is an iconic childhood fable. As many of you know, the American Tooth Fairy comes to collect a child's tooth that has fallen out, while they sleep, and usually leaves behind a treasure for the child to find in the morning. While there are many variations of the Tooth Fairy, your trusted dentist in southern MO has gathered some information about this figure from different countries. No matter what traditions your Tooth Fairy practices, it's a great way to get your child excited about oral care.

It's an English tradition that a child must drop their tooth into a fire to help keep themselves demon-free.

In Early European culture, a lost tooth was to be buried in order to spare the child from hardships in the next life.

Centuries ago in Europe, it's tradition for a baby tooth to be buried in the ground. This can help keep a witch from gaining possession of the tooth, allowing her to put a curse on the child. When more people migrated to America, there was a limited amount of dirt in cities. Eventually the ritual transitioned to putting a tooth under the child's pillow.

In Russia, Spain, and many Asian countries, a mouse would creep into a child's room and remove their baby teeth.

The Viking children would trade a tooth in, when later the teeth were strung together to make jewelry. Wearing a child's tooth supposedly brought power and good luck when in battle.

Many of the population believe a "Tooth Mouse" will come collect a child's tooth and leave a treat or prize behind for the child who lost their baby tooth.

In other parts of the world, many mothers would hide a child's tooth from animals. It was believed if an animal found the tooth, an animal tooth would grow in the child's mouth.

All over the world, there are different traditions of what to do with a child's tooth, after it has fallen out. Take a look at a few more ways to dispose of teeth, according to rituals:

-Throw tooth into the sun.
-Burn the tooth in a fire.
-Toss the tooth backwards between the legs.
-Throw it onto the roof of a dwelling.
-Put the tooth inside a tree or wall.

Now that you know about all the different Tooth Fairy traditions around the world, you can share your new-found knowledge with your kids. It can be a fun way to learn about different cultures, as well as promote proper oral care. As your children start to lose teeth, remind them of the importance of taking care of the teeth they have. Remember to brush twice each day, floss once every day, and monitor the sugar intake of your little ones. The best dentist near Springfield, Missouri is here for all of your oral care needs - give us a call at 877-DENTIST to set up and appointment for your kids today!

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile!

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