By Randi Hauser

Feb. 28 is National Tooth Fairy Day. I bet you’re saying, “Yeah, so?”

Did you know that the concept behind the Tooth Fairy has been evolving for years? Sure, the details of the mythological tale are far less familiar than those of Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, but many families all across North America still practice the tradition of giving their child money for each baby tooth lost.

Many countries around the world have varying beliefs regarding the symbolism of their children’s teeth, with traditions beginning centuries ago. In Europe, for example, the tradition was to bury the children’s baby teeth in the yard as they fell out. One purpose of this was to prevent witches from getting them, as it was believed that if a witch got a hold of a child’s tooth, they could gain control of the child. Other cultures believed that children’s teeth were good luck. Men wore the teeth on a string around their necks as they went to battle.

The concept behind giving children money for lost teeth began in Europe. At this time, money was only given for every sixth tooth lost. Parents, don’t you wish this was the tradition now? Those teeth are costing a pretty penny these days.

In 1927, the three-act playlet, “The Tooth Fairy,” by Esther Watkins Arnold presented a visual image to go along with the myth.  Popular Disney movies, such as “Pinocchio” and “Cinderella,” helped to encourage the concept behind a magical fairy granting wishes.

Today, when a child loses a tooth, they place it under their pillow in a small pouch or envelope. Sometime during the night, the “Tooth Fairy,” (aka Mom and/or Dad), swaps out anywhere from 25 cents to a whopping five bucks for the tooth.  The price can vary according to type (is a molar more valuable than a bicuspid?), or it can fall somewhere in line with what a 6 or 7-year old thinks is “a lot”.

Whatever tradition you follow, a little-known fact is that the Tooth Fairy can actually be used as a bribe to get your children to brush and floss their teeth.  Tooth Fairies don’t pay for teeth with cavities!

Happy National Tooth Fairy Day!