February 28th is National Tooth Fairy Day. In celebration of this day, we want to share our top Tooth Fairy tips for parents like you to use. We know that being “mom” or “dad” is a big enough job as it is. However, parents often wear many hats. Kids get excited about Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. But, when your kid loses their first tooth, they get to be excited about the Tooth Fairy!
Whether you are a first-time Tooth Fairy or a veteran Tooth Fairy, we have created a guide to what all the Tooth Fairy entails. From where the Tooth Fairy came from to any other questions your little one may have, it’s better to be prepared and we are here to help.
First, how did the Tooth Fairy come to be? Believe it or not, it started as a little mouse that would come in the middle of the night and take your little child’s teeth. This was popular in countries like China, Russia, and Spain. However, in 1927 Esther Watkins Arnold wrote a book called, “The Tooth Fairy: Three Act Playlet for Children” which expanded the tooth fairy lore which was later popularized by Walt Disney into one of his characters which is what we know today as the Tooth Fairy.
Next, what are some common Tooth Fairy traditions? Most children are taught to leave their tooth under their pillow when they go to sleep that night. During the night, the Tooth Fairy will come into the room, remove the tooth from under the pillow, and leave behind money or a gift for the tooth. The gift does not have to be money. That can be up to you and what tradition you might want to set. We have seen some Tooth Fairy’s leave a special, personalized note. This is a great way to thank the child for leaving their baby teeth for the Tooth Fairy. It is also a great way to scatter in good oral hygiene habits like keep brushing and flossing. However, be sure to have someone else write the note so that your child doesn’t recognize your handwriting.
If you are deciding to leave money, how much money should the Tooth Fairy leave? Some kids get super lucky and have been left $20! However, the normal amount of money the Tooth Fairy leaves is between $1-$5 dollars. But, that is up to you. If you decide to leave a gift besides money, you could leave behind a toothbrush, fun toothpaste, a coloring book, or even a toy. The gift is up to you.
If you have any other questions about the Tooth Fairy, when you come to see our pediatric dentist at Canyon Creek Dentistry in Temple, Texas, we can answer any questions you may have. Or, Dr. Kinnari can even talk to your child about Tooth Fairy and help get them excited about this wonderful tradition. Be sure to schedule your appointment today.