The Tooth Fairy is an Important Part of Growing Up
Losing your baby teeth is an important part of growing up. For many young children, losing their baby teeth can be a traumatic and painful experience. There are many things that parents can do to help ease these moments. One of the most popular ways to comfort their children when they lose a tooth is the Tooth Fairy.
The Tooth Fairy is a mythical fairy who brings young children a reward in exchange for their lost tooth. All the child must do is place their lost tooth under their pillow before they go to sleep, so the tooth fairy can come and get it. The Tooth Fairy is such an important part of growing up that August 22nd is recognized as National Tooth Fairy Day!
The Brief History of the Tooth Fairy
The Tooth Fairy is one of the many iconic symbols many children experience when growing up, along with Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. While these two both have long, storied origins closely linked to Christian and pagan traditions, the Tooth Fairy is a rather new mythical creature.
The modern version of the Tooth Fairy as seen in pop culture is a relatively new creation. There are folktales spanning the globe in which you would offer your teeth to an animal specifically a mouse. Such stories include that of the French’s La Petite Souris and Spain’s Ratoncito Peréz.
A mouse was used because it was believed that by giving them your old tooth, you will be rewarded with strong teeth like their own.
However, the earliest reference to the modern-day Tooth Fairy specifically was in the Chicago Daily Tribune in 1908. It combined the legend of the mouse with the good fairy myth. In 1927, Esther Watkins Arnold is credited with the Tooth Fairy’s first print appearance in her children’s play, “The Tooth Fairy.” Many believe that because of the Disney films coming out at the time featuring good fairies, the Tooth Fairy began to gain traction, solidifying her place in pop culture.
While many believe the tooth fairy to be an immortal character, she is no older than a senior citizen.
The Importance of National Tooth Fairy Day
While it may seem like a minor holiday, it can help children learn about proper dental hygiene and help comfort their fears. This holiday can help:
- Teach children about dental hygiene. Many children become extremely excited about being visited by the Tooth Fairy. You can explain to your child why she values teeth and how to properly take care of them. It gives your child something to look forward to while also teaching them helpful skills.
- Comfort their children. Losing a tooth can be a scary experience for many kids. It is often painful and can be traumatic for some. However, when they know that they will be visited by the Tooth Fairy, who rewards them, it can make the whole process seem worth it. The Tooth Fairy allows kids to have fun in an otherwise stressful scenario.
The Tooth Fairy has become a welcome part of growing up. Losing your baby teeth is a normal part of life. It is a painful experience. However, with the help of the Tooth Fairy, many children feel at ease and excited to lose their teeth. The great thing about National Tooth Fairy Day is that it occurs twice a year! Once in February and August! We’re guessing that’s because it’s recommended to receive a dental cleaning once every two months. Contact Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas to schedule appointments for the whole family.
