Bright-eyed and fairy-taled! By Dr Shireen Sabir

 

There’s no denying the enchantment of the tooth fairy. Much like Santa Claus, the myth of the tooth fairy has captured the imaginations of children and adults for generations. Children eagerly await the coin or small gift left in exchange for a lost tooth placed under their pillow, while the potential discomfort or worry of losing it is easily forgotten. The tradition also serves a practical purpose, helping parents explain the physical changes of growing up and introducing basic dental hygiene when children lose their first teeth, typically 

around ages 5 or 6.

The roots of the tooth fairy can be traced to various folklore and customs from cultures worldwide. In ancient Europe, it was common practice for parents to bury their children’s lost baby teeth to prevent witches or evil spirits from using them. This belief stemmed from the idea that teeth held a person’s essence and could be used against them if they fell into the wrong hands.

In Western culture, the modern idea of the tooth fairy began to take shape in the early 20th century. The popular version of the tooth fairy was largely popularized in the United States through the work of Esther Watkins Arnold. In her 1927 play, The Tooth Fairy, Arnold introduced the character as a benevolent figure who rewarded children for losing their teeth. This charming narrative quickly gained traction, and the tooth fairy became a beloved tradition in many households.

Interestingly, outside the U.S. and the U.K., the tooth fairy is often not depicted as a tiny human. In several Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain and Argentina, the figure is known as Ratoncito Pérez—a little mouse. Similarly, in France, Belgium, Morocco, and Switzerland, children await La Petite Souris (The Little Mouse) instead of the traditional fairy.

In Korea and Brazil, the myth takes yet another form: a winged creature. In these cultures, children are encouraged to toss their lost teeth onto the roof, where a little bird swoops down, retrieves the tooth, and leaves a new one in its place.

While losing baby teeth can sometimes be an uncomfortable or anxiety-inducing experience for children, the tooth fairy myth offers reassurance, transforming a potentially upsetting moment into something magical. It also provides an excellent opportunity for parents to teach their children about the importance of brushing, flossing, and overall dental care. Now, that's a bit of magic worth celebrating!

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