History of the Tooth Fairy

Most children and parents are accustomed to the age-old tale of the Tooth Fairy – the tiny little fairy that collects baby teeth from under children’s’ pillows in exchange for currency, equal to the value of the tooth. Somehow, this tradition has wound up in households around the world, but we do not seem to recognize where the Tooth Fairy’s story began, and surprisingly enough, it is only the Western world that practices the baby-tooth-for-money tradition. Around the world, many other cultures have their own version of the Tooth Fairy, and with that, their own traditions.

The earliest form of baby tooth traditions began in some of the earliest recordings of human time. B. R. Townend, in 1960, compiled some of these rituals:


  • The tooth was thrown into the sun
  • The tooth was thrown into the fire
  • The tooth was thrown between the legs of the child
  • The tooth was thrown onto or over the roof of the house, often with an invocation to some animal or individual
  • The tooth was placed in a mouse hole near the stove or hearth, or offered to some other animal
  • The tooth was buried
  • The tooth was hidden where animals could not get it
  • The tooth was placed in a tree or on a wall
  • The tooth was swallowed by the mother, child, or an animal

These rituals of offering up baby tooth to a strong-toothed animal like a rodent was believed to grant the child teeth as strong as a rodent in the future. This was practiced across Europe, Russia, New Zealand, and even Mexico before the 1900’s. This led to the tradition of idolizing not a fairy, but a mouse. In Spain, the tooth-mouse is called, Ratóncito Pérez, and in France referred to as, La Petite Souris. In Madrid, a museum was built surrounding the character of Ratóncito Pérez (which you can view here: http://www.casamuseoratonperez.es/).


So, if the “Tooth Fairy” was actually a “Tooth Mouse” where on Earth did the fairy aspect come from? The European “good fairy” was a new concept in the 1900’s and started being incorporated into children’s’ movies and books; thus these two ideas merged to form the Tooth Fairy, who quite frankly was much more inviting than the Tooth Mouse. Her first appearance was in a play written by Esther Watkins Arnold in 1927.


Okay, so now we know where this character came from, and some of the rituals contributing to the tradition we all know, but how did monetary compensation get involved? Many scholars believe that losing a baby tooth and growing an adult one is one of life’s first milestones into adulthood and money can symbolize some of the responsibilities, choices, and benefits of becoming an adult (in which Cindy Dell Clark mentions in her book “Flights of Fancy, Leaps, of Faith,” suggests is an American contribution to this tradition).


The traditions of the Tooth Fairy do not just stop in Europe and North America. In Asia, when children lose their teeth, instead of placing it under their pillows at night, they throw them. According to which jaw you lost your tooth from, you would throw your tooth in the opposite direction – example, if you lost your tooth from your lower jaw, you would throw your tooth onto a rooftop. Along with this, children will wish for the teeth of a rodent in its place – again, to acquire big and strong teeth. It is also seen that in central Asia, children put their fallen teeth in animal fat and feed it to a dog (to obtain strong teeth like a dog) or bury them under trees, so their roots will be as rigid as a tree. In the Middle East and Northern Africa, children also throw their teeth, but solely to the sky (this tradition dates to the 13th Century). In South Africa, they follow the same American tradition, but instead of using a pillow, they place their baby teeth in a slipper.


Most of this Tooth Fairy hunting can be attributed to Rosemary Wells from Northwestern University Dental School, who accredited herself as the Tooth Fairy consultant. She has uncovered a lot of the history behind the world’s traditions surrounding the Tooth Fairy.


Source 1 : http://www.salon.com/2014/02/09/dont_tell_the_kids_the_real_history_of_the_tooth_fairy/

Source 2: http://mentalfloss.com/article/58503/7-tooth-fairy-traditions-around-world 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where did the tradition of the Tooth Fairy originate?

    The Tooth Fairy tradition has roots in several cultural customs surrounding children's lost baby teeth. In parts of Europe, families historically buried, burned, or saved baby teeth as part of rituals associated with protection and good fortune. The modern American Tooth Fairy became popular during the early 20th century, evolving into the familiar tradition of leaving money or small gifts beneath a child's pillow in exchange for a lost tooth.

  • Why does the Tooth Fairy collect children's baby teeth?

    The Tooth Fairy is a fictional character who helps turn the experience of losing baby teeth into an exciting childhood milestone. According to the popular tradition, children place their lost teeth beneath their pillows, and the Tooth Fairy exchanges them for money or a small gift while they sleep. Although the story varies between families, the tradition often helps children feel more comfortable and enthusiastic about the natural process of losing their primary teeth.

  • Do other countries have their own versions of the Tooth Fairy?

    Yes, many cultures have unique traditions celebrating the loss of baby teeth. In Spain and several Latin American countries, children may receive a visit from Ratoncito Pérez, a little mouse who collects lost teeth. In France, a similar character called La Petite Souris leaves gifts or coins. Some Asian traditions involve throwing lost teeth onto rooftops or beneath floors while making wishes for healthy permanent teeth. These customs reflect different cultural approaches to celebrating childhood development.

  • When do children typically start receiving visits from the Tooth Fairy?

    Most children begin losing their baby teeth around age six, although some may experience their first loose tooth earlier or later. The lower front teeth are usually among the first to fall out, followed by other primary teeth over the next several years. Many families introduce the Tooth Fairy tradition when their child loses their first tooth, using the occasion to celebrate growing up and encourage positive attitudes toward dental health. The tradition can continue until the final baby teeth are lost, usually around ages 10 to 12.

  • How can parents use the Tooth Fairy tradition to encourage good oral hygiene?

    Parents can use the Tooth Fairy tradition as a fun opportunity to teach children about the importance of caring for their teeth. Along with leaving a small reward, the Tooth Fairy might include an encouraging note reminding children to brush twice daily, floss regularly, and attend routine dental checkups. Families can also create a tooth chart to celebrate milestones and track healthy habits. At Luma Ajlouni DDS in Gilroy, CA, we encourage parents to make oral hygiene education a positive and engaging part of their child's daily routine.

Make Every Lost Tooth a Happy Milestone!

Losing baby teeth is an exciting part of growing up! At Luma Ajlouni DDS, we help families celebrate these milestones while encouraging healthy brushing habits, regular dental visits, and positive attitudes toward lifelong oral health.

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