The Myths that Led to the Tooth Fairy

Think back on the days that you believed in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. Do you remember the excitement the prospect of losing a baby tooth brought? Knowing that the Tooth Fairy was going to come to take the tooth and leave money, whether it was a dime, quarter, or dollar, is a highlight of childhood. Bringing the magic of the Tooth Fairy to life with your own children is a whole new, wonderful experience.

As the Tooth Fairy once again becomes a part of your life, you may wonder how the beloved legend came to be. The Tooth Fairy evolved from ancient myths from around the world. Early European and Norse superstition stated that when a child lost a tooth, it should be buried to protect the child from hardships in the next life. In some areas in early times, it was believed that if a witch obtained a part of someone’s body, they could control them. Because of this, the disposal of baby teeth, and other body parts, was a very serious matter. Teeth were thrown into the fire as soon as possible.

There are many versions of the tooth deity. In some countries, a mouse would enter children’s rooms and remove their lost baby teeth. The mouse is the tooth deity in many cultures because rodents continue to grow their teeth for their entire lives. In other cultures, the tooth deity varies and includes beavers, dogs, cats, and squirrels.

The legend of the mouse tooth deity and the good fairy myths from European fairy tales inspired the creation of our much-beloved Tooth Fairy. In the 1920s, a book introduced what is now the modern Tooth Fairy. The Tooth Fairy quickly gained popularity and became a part of most household traditions.

We invite you to contact Allen Pediatric Dentistry today to learn more and to schedule your child’s appointment with our dentists in Allen, Texas, Drs. Hunter and Coe.