Buzz
An exploration into the enchanting myth of the Tooth Fairy
The Tooth Fairy has been part of childhood lore for over a century, and the traditions surrounding lost teeth have existed for even longer! But does the Tooth Fairy really exist? We’ll give you the full picture: while the Tooth Fairy herself isn't real, the legend she represents certainly is. So, how do you explain this beloved character to your children? And is it helpful for kids to believe in the Tooth Fairy at all? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about this magical figure!
Is the Tooth Fairy a real being?
There is no scientific proof to confirm the Tooth Fairy’s existence, but that doesn't mean she isn't part of the magic we create. While tales of mystical beings tied to teeth have been around for ages, the modern conception of the Tooth Fairy was likely introduced by Lillian Brown in 1908, as mentioned in the Chicago Daily Tribune.
How It Works
Is the Tooth Fairy real, or is it just your parents at work?
There’s no definitive proof that the Tooth Fairy exists, but that doesn’t mean she’s not real. The absence of scientific evidence doesn’t necessarily negate her existence! Even if she doesn’t exist in the literal sense, she has certainly made a magical impact on the many children who believe in her.
- Though parents may play the role of the Tooth Fairy to encourage belief, some parents have reported finding gifts or money under their child’s pillow in exchange for baby teeth, and they swear they didn’t place them there!
- As for the existence of fairies in general, there’s no hard evidence to confirm their existence either, but that doesn’t rule them out. In fact, belief in fairies and elves is deeply rooted in cultures like those in Iceland, Norway, Ireland, and Scotland.
The Birth of the Modern Tooth Fairy
The modern Tooth Fairy story can be traced back to 1908 in the Chicago Daily Tribune. While legends surrounding teeth have existed for centuries, the specific figure of the Tooth Fairy appears to have originated from a 1908 “Household Hints” column by Lillian Brown. Brown suggested that children who believed in a Tooth Fairy who would visit in the night to trade a lost tooth for a gift would be more inclined to part with their teeth—making the process of losing them a bit easier.Click here for tips on how to pull out a loose baby tooth painlessly.
The Tooth Fairy myth has evolved across centuries. While the modern image of the Tooth Fairy emerged in 1908, similar myths have been passed down in many cultures worldwide. Historically, these stories often featured a figure—often a mouse—who would ‘buy’ baby teeth from children.
- The Tooth Fairy, or “tooth mice,” legend may have roots in ancient European beliefs surrounding teeth.
- In medieval Europe, children were often instructed to burn their baby teeth, lest they be doomed to search for them in the afterlife.
- It was also feared that if a witch obtained one’s tooth, she could wield complete control over the person.
Tooth Fairy Legends from Across the Globe
France and Belgium In these countries, the Tooth Fairy takes the form of a white rat who buys children's lost teeth with coins, keeping the tradition of tooth exchange alive, though with a furry twist.
Italy Italy’s version of the Tooth Fairy is usually represented by a mouse named Topolino, although at times the role is played by Saint Apollonia, the patron saint of teeth and dentistry. Her story involves the tragic martyrdom where her teeth were broken, linking her to the legend.
Japan In Japan and other parts of Asia, children are taught to throw their lost upper teeth onto the ground and toss their lower teeth into the air. The belief is that this will help the new teeth grow in straight and healthy.
Mali In Mali, children toss their lost teeth into a chicken coop or a gourd. In return, the next day, they receive a chicken instead of the typical coins, making the exchange a bit more agricultural.
The Middle East In countries across the Middle East such as Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and Sudan, children may throw their lost teeth into the air as an offering to the sun. The hope is that the sun will bless them with a shiny new tooth, brightening their smile.
Spain and Hispanic America As early as 1894, the legend of El Ratoncito Pérez (Perez the Little Mouse) emerged in Spain and Hispanic America as their version of the Tooth Fairy. This character first appeared in a story by Luis Coloma, written for King Alfonso XIII, then an 8-year-old boy who had just lost his first milk tooth.
The Tooth Fairy in Popular Culture
The Tooth Fairy has appeared in many films and plays. In 1927, Esther Watkins Arnold, a children's playwright, created a play featuring the Tooth Fairy. Since then, the Tooth Fairy has appeared in several popular films, such as the 1996 comedy Toothless, starring Kirstie Alley, and the 2010 fantasy film The Tooth Fairy, where Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson plays the titular role.
The Tooth Fairy has also made her way onto collectible coins. In 2011 and 2012, the Royal Canadian Mint released a set of quarters featuring the Tooth Fairy. Similarly, in 2021, the Royal Australian Mint issued a Tooth Fairy kit, which included a commemorative $2 Tooth Fairy coin, along with a toothbrush, pen, and tooth pouch.
The Tooth Fairy & Child Development
The Tooth Fairy can provide comfort to children. Losing a tooth can be intimidating for some kids, particularly if it’s their first time. Studies indicate that believing in the Tooth Fairy might help ease a child’s fears or discomfort associated with losing a tooth.
- With the Tooth Fairy's magic, children who might otherwise be anxious or upset about losing a tooth—especially if it’s a painful experience—might remember it more positively or with less trauma.
Believing in the Tooth Fairy may encourage children to take better care of their teeth. Some parents tell their children that the Tooth Fairy rewards healthy teeth with higher payments, motivating them to brush and floss regularly. The Tooth Fairy, in this sense, acts as a fun mascot for promoting good oral hygiene habits.
It might also lead to the creation of false memories. Research shows that children who strongly believe in the Tooth Fairy are more likely to misremember details about their experiences, often embellishing them with magical or supernatural elements. On the other hand, children who don't believe in the Tooth Fairy tend to recall their memories in a more realistic, grounded way.
How should I answer my child’s questions about the Tooth Fairy?
Gauge if they want the truth or if they prefer to keep believing. Some children may ask questions but aren't necessarily seeking the truth. Instead, they might simply want confirmation that the Tooth Fairy is real. You can figure out what they really want to know by:
- Returning their question with one of your own to gauge their curiosity. For example, if they ask if the Tooth Fairy is real, respond with, “What do you think?” or “Why do you ask?”
- Taking their age into account. Younger children, such as preschoolers, might have heard a rumor and are looking for reassurance. But a 7-year-old might be more skeptical and ready to discuss it logically.
- If you sense they want to continue believing for a bit longer, you can reinforce their faith with a simple line like, “I believe in the Tooth Fairy, don’t you?” or “Remember how she left a five-dollar bill under your pillow last month? Of course, she’s real!”
Be gentle when revealing the truth. If you think your child genuinely wants the truth, be empathetic in your response. Even if they’re starting to have doubts, telling them directly that the Tooth Fairy isn’t real can still be a tough blow, especially if they didn't expect it.
- Try saying something like, “Greta, we’re really sorry to tell you this, but the Tooth Fairy has actually been Mom and Dad all along. I know that’s tough to hear.”
- Explain why you went along with the story. You might share your own memories of believing in the Tooth Fairy and talk about how fun it was to find a surprise under your pillow.
- Understand that while the realization may be sad, the gradual discovery that the Tooth Fairy isn’t real is less likely to traumatize them than if they’re told abruptly without asking questions.
Accept their reaction. Once your child learns the Tooth Fairy isn’t real, their response could be anything from laughter to frustration or sadness, or even complete silence as they process the news. Be understanding and open to their feelings.
- If your child pieced together the truth themselves, they might feel proud of solving the mystery. Learning that some childhood myths aren’t real is an important step in their development.
- Even though they now know the truth, that doesn’t mean the magic has to disappear. They’ll likely still enjoy receiving a gift for their lost tooth, and if they have younger siblings, you might want to remind them to keep the secret!
When do kids stop believing in the Tooth Fairy?
Most kids stop believing in the Tooth Fairy around age 5. Research has shown that children generally stop believing in both the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus around the age of 5. This may be because at this age, they start to develop the ability to question the “evidence” their parents provide regarding these mythical figures.
- It might also be that parents, when their children hit 5 or 6, stop trying as hard to maintain the illusion, making it easier for the children to figure out the truth on their own.
- Interestingly, adults in the same study reported believing in the Tooth Fairy and Santa until they were nearly 9, although it’s possible they simply wanted to keep believing for a bit longer than they really did.
