For many kids, the routine of brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist can feel like a grind. One of the high points of dental care, however, is the tooth fairy. Her visits—and her swapping of lost teeth for cash—are events most children anticipate with bated breath. To make these visits as fun and memorable as possible for your kids, consider trying one of these tooth fairy traditions.

How to Make the Tooth Fairy More Exciting

1. Use a Special Dish or Pillow

Old-school tooth fairy traditions often have children putting lost teeth under their pillows. However, some kids can be light sleepers, especially if they're looking forward to something exciting, like a visit from a magical little pixie. To ensure your child sleeps through the night, put the lost tooth in a receptacle that can sit on a nightstand or at the foot of the bed. You can buy or make a special dish, pillow, cloth pocket, or small box to hold the tooth. If possible, let the child pick it out or decorate it and make it their own.

2. Leave Some "Fairy Dust" Behind

Heighten the magic of the experience by letting the tooth fairy leave a bit of fairy dust behind. A sprinkling of glitter on the child's nightstand, the windowsill, or the floor at the base of the door can be a nice touch.

It's no secret that glitter can be a headache to clean up, so if the idea of finding sparkles for days and weeks is off-putting, think about using confetti or sequins. Alternatively, you could paint the coins or bills left behind with a couple of dabs of glittery or metallic paint.

3. Write a Note

Children write letters to Santa Claus, so why not the tooth fairy? Have your child leave a note out for the tooth fairy, and encourage them to tell her about how they lost the tooth. This is a chance for your kid to practice their writing and composition skills, and they will be taking ownership of their experience, which could generate more excitement about toothbrushing and dentist visits.

Twice-yearly checkups with a dentist are even more essential traditions than the tooth fairy. The Dental Clinic of Onalaska serves families throughout La Crosse County, WI. They offer general and cosmetic dentistry services, including exams, teeth cleaning, whitening, veneers, and crowns. Call (608) 783-3341 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website to explore their services.