Being a former child, you’ve likely heard of the tooth fairy – the spritely character who’d offer money for baby teeth. You may recall nights of placing a tooth beneath a pillow and waking to a gift. However, did you know there are other tooth fairy myths worldwide? Different cultures actually tell their own stories of what happens to lost baby teeth. If you’d like, your local Allen dentist can even describe a few. To that end, here are three fun tooth fairy stories you can share with your kids!
The Tooth Mouse
Rather than a fairy, some places see a visit from the “tooth mouse.” This tradition stems from the fact that mice’s teeth grow for their entire lives.
In several Spanish-speaking countries, the figure is called Ratocinto Perez or Raton Perez. Like the modern fairy, this little rodent will collect teeth from under pillows. At least in Argentina, though, it’ll also take them from glasses of water.
Meanwhile, France, Belgium, Morocco, and Switzerland know the rodent as La Petite Souris — the Little Mouse. It still collects teeth from under pillows, though, leaving a coin or bill behind.
A Tooth Toss
Other kids don’t wait for a mysterious figure to take their baby teeth. Instead, they toss the pearly whites into the air.
In Korea and Brazil, the goal is to land the tooth on the roof. It’s believed a bird will pick it up and bring them a new one.
On the other hand, children of Middle Eastern countries throw their teeth toward the sun. The thought is that doing so lets the sun send them better adult teeth in return.
Hide & Stash
Not everyone is so willing to part with their treasured teeth. Some believe keeping them proves helpful.
Consider Turkey, for instance. In that country, baby teeth are thought to have a bearing on how a child’s future turns out. Turkish parents will thus bury their children’s pearly whites in places that convey wishes for a kid’s life.
Eastern European nations also hold onto teeth. In Ukraine, kids will wrap a tooth in a cloth and leave it in a dark corner of their house until a new one grows in its place. Lithuanian children keep their teeth in a special box or make them into a keepsake.
Ultimately, tooth fairy myths are as varied as the world’s peoples. So, consider telling the ones above to your kids sometimes!
About the Author
Sprout Dentistry for Kids is based in Allen, TX. Led by Drs. Chan and Yoo, our practice makes treatment relaxing and effective for its child patients. To that end, we perform preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency care when needed. Our office is also a certified provider of custom nightguards and sportsguards. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (469)-663-0098.