Did your parents ever teach you about the tooth fairy? According to folklore, the tooth fairy is a magical creature that visits children who have recently lost a tooth and placed it under their pillow. As the child sleeps, the “tooth fairy” (or one of her loyal parental attendants) slips in and replaces the tooth with money or a toy.

The tooth fairy is a legend that is present in many cultures. The first account of a tooth fairy occurred in early Norse culture in Northern Europe. The legend then spread to other parts of Europe and the Americas. In Latino cultures, el hada de los dientes and el Raton Perez (a mouse) are both involved in rewarding children who have lost teeth. 

Although tooth fairy lore differs from region to region, one thing is for certain—a fun myth helps most children become comfortable with the idea of losing a tooth. Consider telling your child about the tooth fairy to ease them into the idea of losing baby teeth and gaining permanent ones. For more information about pediatric dental health, contact A Beautiful Smile at Lake Pointe today.