Growing up, you may remember putting your tooth under your pillow and waking up to some money or a small gift. This makes the experience of losing teeth more fun than scary, which is why this tradition has continued for all of these years. If you have a little one now whose teeth are starting to wiggle, then consider sharing what they can expect as well as some tooth fairy myths from around the world!
1. The Tooth Mouse
For children in France (and in French-speaking countries), they get a visit from a mythological mouse, not a fairy! Sometimes called “La Petite Souris” and other times “Ratóncito Pérez,” this tooth-saving mouse is said to sneak into the room in the middle of the night to retrieve lost teeth!
2. The Tooth Troll
For Finnish children, the tradition is a bit different (and a bit scarier). They are told that a tooth troll, Hammaspeikko, will drill holes into their teeth if they eat too much candy. Don’t worry – there’s some good news too: if they brush their teeth consistently, they will scare the troll away!
3. Tooth Powers
In Turkey, lost teeth are believed to have special powers. As a result, many Turkish parents bury their child’s teeth in a place that communicates their wish for their child’s life. For example, if they hope that their little one will grow up to be a doctor, they will bury it by a hospital.
4. Treasured Teeth
Many tooth fairy-related myths involve parting ways with the tooth, but not in this case! In Lithuania, it’s common for children to keep their teeth in a special box throughout the years. Then, they can use them to make a special keepsake, like a necklace.
5. Tooth Toss
Korea and Brazil are a few of many countries where children do a tooth toss. It’s basically exactly what it sounds like: the kids throw their baby teeth onto the roof. It’s believed that a bird will come, pick it up, and bring them a new tooth!
About the Practice
For us, being a great pediatric dental team in Pelham is about so much more than providing preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. We aim to be a resource for families so they always have somewhere to turn to with questions throughout the years about their child’s oral health. If you are interested in learning more about what to expect when it comes to losing baby teeth, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics via our website or by phone at (603) 635-1166.