Tooth fairy

Lore & Background

The tooth fairy's origins are unclear, but medieval European superstitions involved burning or burying baby teeth to avoid searching for them in the afterlife or to prevent witches from gaining power over the tooth's owner. The earliest known record of the tooth fairy tradition itself is a 1908 'Household Hints' item in the Chicago Daily Tribune, which advised mothers to use the tooth fairy to encourage children to allow loose teeth to be removed, leaving a small gift in exchange for the tooth placed under the pillow.

Unlike Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, the tooth fairy's appearance varies widely. A 1984 study by Rosemary Wells found that 74% of surveyed people believed the tooth fairy to be female, 12% neither male nor female, and 8% either male or female. Depictions in children's books and popular artwork include a child with wings, a pixie, a dragon, a blue mother-figure, a flying ballerina, two little older men, a dental hygienist, a female dentist, a potbellied flying man smoking a cigar, a bat, a bear, and others.

The reward left varies by country, family economic status, and peer reports. A 2013 Visa Inc. survey found American children received $3.70 per tooth on average. According to Delta Dental, the average payout in the United States rose from $1.30 in 1998 to $6.23 in 2023, then fell to $5.01 by 2025. The first tooth lost typically receives a higher reward.

Reader's Guide

The tooth fairy holds significance as a comforting figure for children experiencing the fear or pain of losing a tooth. Parents often view the myth as a way to ease the transition, and mothers especially may value a child's belief as a sign that their 'baby' is still a child. Children typically discover the tooth fairy is imaginary between ages 5 and 7, often connecting this to other gift-bearing figures like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.

Research suggests a possible relationship between continued belief in the tooth fairy and false memory syndrome. The tradition has been commercialized, with the Royal Canadian Mint issuing tooth fairy quarters in 2011 and 2012, and the Royal Australian Mint issuing 'Tooth Fairy Kits' with commemorative $2 coins in 2020. Related myths exist globally, including El Ratón Pérez in Spain and Latin America, La Petite Souris in France and French-speaking Belgium, and various traditions in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East involving throwing teeth to the sun, roof, or chicken coop.

Did You Know?

• The earliest known record of the tooth fairy tradition is a 1908 'Household Hints' item in the Chicago Daily Tribune.
• A 1984 study by Rosemary Wells found that 74% of surveyed people believed the tooth fairy to be female.
• According to Delta Dental, the average payout per tooth in the United States rose from $1.30 in 1998 to $6.23 in 2023, then fell to $5.01 by 2025.
• The Royal Canadian Mint issued tooth fairy quarters in 2011 and 2012.