Is the Tooth Fairy Real? Here's How To Answer Your Kids When They Ask
Plus, the history behind the tradition.
A big milestone in any child's life is when they lose that first tooth. When that permanent larger tooth pushes out the baby tooth, it's like a rite of passage into big kid status. However, big kid or not, there's one question you'll likely hear: "Is the Tooth Fairy real?" They have probably heard about the Tooth Fairy from friends and are wondering if they can cash in on a deal with the Tooth Fairy as well. So, how do you answer in a way that is easy for your child to understand?
The nice thing about believing in the Tooth Fairy is that it puts a positive spin on a somewhat scary situation. Having a tooth fall out can be pretty alarming, after all. But, the idea of trading that tooth in for a bit of cash will likely put a smile back on that sweet little face.
Depending on the age of your child and how many teeth they have lost, the answer to the question could be quite different. The key is to know your child's motive when asking about the Tooth Fairy and follow their lead. Just like when they ask whether or not Santa Claus is real, you will likely know when the time is right to start feeding them a little truth.
To help formulate your answer, here is a little Tooth Fairy history to get you started.
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Is the Tooth Fairy Real?
It all depends on how you define the Tooth Fairy. What kids are most interested in is the fact that they put their lost tooth under their pillow at night and when they wake up in the morning, the tooth is magically replaced by money.
However, there was never confirmation of a real person behind the Tooth Fairy myth like there was with Santa Claus (based on Saint Nicholas). The idea simply evolved over time based on some traditions in history.
That being said, according to the National Museum of Dentistry, there is one woman in history who may have inspired this tradition: "Saint Apollonia is the patron saint of dentists who is depicted with pincers holding a tooth and palm fronds. In some depictions of Saint Apollonia the palm frond is even positioned in a way that resembles fairy wings. With America’s merging of cultures, it is easy to see how different legends can be combined to create a new one."
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History of the Tooth Fairy
The origin of the Tooth Fairy goes back centuries ago with several different myths. Some of the myths involved a money exchange for the lost tooth and others had a deeper purpose.
The early Norse and European traditions involved burying a child's lost baby tooth to spare the child from hardships in the next life. Similarly, Vikings used children's teeth to bring them good luck in battle.
The Tooth Fairy, as we know her, most likely started with a tradition that originated in Europe. They used what's called a tand-fe (tooth fee) which was given for a child's first tooth.
America's more modern Tooth Fairy became popular in the 1900s and was inspired by other fairies in pop culture and Walt Disney's fairy characters (perhaps with inspiration from Saint Apollonia as well). According to the National Museum of Dentistry, "It was not until 1949 that a specific Tooth Fairy was mentioned in popular culture. [...] Beginning as simply an unspecified tooth-taking fairy based in the United States, the Tooth Fairy has grown into a household name and international icon."
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How To Explain the Tooth Fairy
While you can discuss the Tooth Fairy tradition with your little one so that they know what to expect when they lose their first tooth (more on that below), when a child is ready to know the full truth, it's a fun time to talk about the history and different traditions when it comes to losing baby teeth.
Your child has maybe already guessed that you are the Tooth Fairy. Explain that you and other parents enjoy celebrating the milestone of losing teeth with their kids. Then, let them know that the tradition can still continue with any future teeth that they lose. They can even help you when younger siblings begin losing teeth as well!
How Does the Current Tooth Fairy Tradition Work?
Basically, when a child loses a tooth, they are supposed to put the tooth under their pillow. Then, sometime during the night when your child is sound asleep, they expect the Tooth Fairy (AKA you) to carefully take the tooth and replace it with some money.
Many parents like to also leave a cute note from the Tooth Fairy, along with the cash. Other traditions involve using a Tooth Fairy pillow that comes with a pocket. This makes it a whole lot easier to do the tooth exchange in the middle of the night. After all, finding one tiny tooth under a pillow that may or may not have been shifted to the point of flinging the tooth out from under it, could be a challenge for anyone. Not to mention that the room will be black with darkness at the time.
Tooth Fairy Pillow with Receipts and Magic Fairy Glitter for Boys and Girls, 3 Piece Set with Hanging Option, Toothfairy Kit Keepsake Gift
Instead of leaving money, some parents opt to leave a coupon for a special outing instead. There are no hard and fast rules to the Tooth Fairy experience.
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What To Do With the Teeth
Many parents simply throw the teeth away. However, others keep them in a memory box or book with other keepsakes.
That's not all, though. One fact that you may not be aware of is how valuable those little teeth could be in the future. Sending baby teeth to a "tooth-banking" company is an option as well, as a way of preserving the dental stem cells.
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