Along with visiting the dentist, the tooth fairy likely plays a part in your child's dental routine. The whimsical figure involves a fun and comforting ritual, but where does it come from, and what does it mean today? Learn more below.

Where Does the Tooth Fairy Come From?

The tooth fairy is by no means the first ritual associated with baby teeth. According to superstitions in Medieval England, children were meant to burn their teeth to ensure a peaceful afterlife. Additionally, it's believed that Vikings wore children's teeth as good luck charms.

Although these stories might seem disconnected from the modern tooth fairy, an 18th-century French fairytale called "La Bonne Petite Souris" has interesting parallels. According to the story, a queen imprisoned by an evil king is set free by a mouse-turned-fairy. This being knocks out the king's teeth when rescuing the queen and places them under his pillow.

However, the idea of the tooth fairy didn't take off in America until the middle of the 20th century. This is because, following WWII, Americans experienced increased prosperity, a newly child-centered idea of the American family, and a bit of magic. Popular films of that time featured kindly and generous fairies, which eventually led to the creation of the American tooth fairy.

What’s the Role of the Tooth Fairy Today?

In the United States, both parents and dentists use the tooth fairy to encourage good oral hygiene. For example, parents might encourage their child to brush regularly by saying the tooth fairy only accepts healthy teeth. Some dentists might even feature the famous character in their offices to gently promote good habits.

The tooth fairy can also be seen as a good way to teach your children about capitalism—to earn a reward, they must provide a good or service (in this case, a tooth). Over time, they can save up their earnings to buy something special.

For those who prefer to keep it light-hearted, visits from the tooth fairy can simply be treated as milestones for children to one day look back on fondly. In place of money, you can even exchange notes, origami, or whatever else interests you and your child.

Make sure your child’s teeth are perfect for the tooth fairy by visiting Chinook Family Dentistry in Anchorage, AK. For nearly four decades, their dentists have been dedicated to serving the community with state-of-the-art equipment. They offer a wide range of services for all ages and are experienced at ensuring young patients feel at ease when it’s time to see the dentist. From routine cleanings to tooth extractions, they can do it all. Call (907) 272-8422 to schedule an appointment, or learn more about their services online.