Oral health is the real magic behind the Tooth Fairy

Heather Schneider, DDS

Submitted photo/Delta Dental of Arizona

The Tooth Fairy also reminds families that healthy smiles are worth celebrating. Every lost baby tooth represents a milestone that deserves recognition, whether that comes in the form of a few dollars, a new toothbrush or simply an extra bedtime story.”

OPINION — Every Aug. 22, families across the country celebrate National Tooth Fairy Day, honoring one of childhood’s most beloved traditions.

For parents, a loose tooth often means another late-night mission involving a flashlight, a pillow and a few dollars slipped underneath after bedtime. For children, it marks an exciting milestone, transforming something that can feel unfamiliar or even a little scary into a celebration complete with anticipation, imagination and, hopefully, a healthy smile.

That tradition continues to grow.

According to recent polls, the average value of a lost tooth has climbed to $5.84 this year and the first tooth averages a whopping $7.17! The Tooth Fairy’s visits have also expanded beyond money. Nearly one-third of children now wake up to discover small surprises alongside their cash, including activity books, personalized lost tooth certificates, plush toys, toothbrushes and dental floss.

While those extra gifts are certainly fun, the greatest value of the Tooth Fairy has never been what’s left beneath the pillow.

Instead, every loose tooth creates a natural opportunity for parents to talk about oral health. Questions about why baby teeth fall out, how permanent teeth grow in and why brushing, flossing and regular dental visits matter suddenly become part of an exciting conversation rather than another household reminder. Children are often eager to learn because they are experiencing those changes firsthand.

The Tooth Fairy also reminds families that healthy smiles are worth celebrating. Every lost baby tooth represents a milestone that deserves recognition, whether that comes in the form of a few dollars, a new toothbrush or simply an extra bedtime story.

 Interestingly, the tradition extends far beyond the United States.

In Argentina and Sweden, children often leave a baby tooth in a glass of water beside their bed, where “Magical Mouse” exchanges it for a few coins overnight. Children in Colombia, South Africa and the Philippines also welcome tiny tooth-collecting mice, although Filipino children await the arrival of the famous “Tooth Rat.” Across much of Europe, brownies and elves often step in to perform the duties many American children associate with the Tooth Fairy. In Chile and Costa Rica, some families even transform baby teeth into keepsake charms, creating lasting reminders of childhood.

Although the traditions differ, they all celebrate the same milestone while encouraging children to take pride in caring for their teeth.

National Tooth Fairy Day also offers families a wonderful excuse to create new memories together. Read a favorite book such as “The Mixed-Up Tooth Fairy” or “Dear Tooth Fairy.” Make a homemade Tooth Fairy pillow. Enjoy a family movie featuring everyone’s favorite winged visitor. Even something as simple as choosing a colorful new toothbrush can make the occasion feel special.

Years from now, most children probably will not remember exactly how much money appeared beneath their pillow.

They will remember the excitement of discovering their tooth had disappeared overnight, proudly showing off the new gap in their smile and believing, if only for a little while longer, in a little bit of magic.

And that may be the Tooth Fairy’s greatest gift of all.

Heather Schneider, DMD is dental director for a Scottsdale-based Valley dental care provider and an instructor at A.T. Still University in Mesa. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.