It’s tooth fairy time!
There are many thoughts of where the tooth fairy originated. Some people believe it started in 17th-century France. This was in the form of a relatively dark bedtime story about a fairy that could transform into a mouse. But the modern image of the tooth fairy didn’t appear until the 20th century! This modem version is credited to a children’s story by Esther Watkins Arnold.
No matter where the tradition started, it has become a memorable part of nearly every child’s life. More than likely, everyone has at least one story to share about their tooth fairy experience. So when you notice your child’s first tooth getting wiggly, it’s time to start thinking of ways to enrich this fairy experience!
Don’t worry, if you’ve ever wondered what to do if you lose a tooth as an adult, we’ve got you covered!
Unveiling Creative Tooth Fairy Traditions
When it comes to the magic of the tooth fairy, it’s time to let your inner child out and release all of that magic. Remember that you’re the tooth fairy now! That means the magic is yours to create. But sometimes it can be a little difficult to reawaken our creative side. Here are five ideas to help spark your imagination:
1. Enchanted Letters and Tiny Tokens
Why not have a letter exchange with the tooth fairy? Have your child write a letter to the tooth fairy, and have the tooth fairy leave one in response! These letters can be about anything your child dreams up. The wild story of how they lost the tooth, or even about their day-to-day life. Whatever they write, you’ll know you’ll always look back on that letter fondly.
When you write the tooth fairy’s response, why not sprinkle a little glitter on it for fairy dust? That is sure to make the magic just a little more real.
2. Tooth Fairy Pillows and Pockets
Sometimes throwing that tooth under a pillow can be a little terrifying. What if it falls behind the headboard? What if the child wakes up just as the “tooth fairy” goes to take it? That’s when you can adjust the tradition! You can make little handmade pouches or pillows just for the tooth fairy, or even buy them online. This way, the tooth is safely tucked away for the tooth fairy. To make things just a little easier, you can even have your child put this little container on the bedside table when they go to sleep.
3. Fairy Doors
When your child loses that first tooth, why not celebrate by decorating for the tooth fairy’s visit? Help your little one string fairy lights up and down their door, or even tape special photos all around to welcome this special fairy.
4. Tooth Fairy Tales in a Jar
With the help of a shadow box, you can create a cute keepsake for your child! You can fill the box with small pieces of wood or even strips of colorful paper. Have your child write about the night the tooth fairy visits, or even draw what comes to mind when they think of that lost tooth. For example, if they lost the tooth on the way to eat a piece of pizza, they can draw a pizza slice.
5. Star-studded Nights
Why not add some magic to something your children see every night? Take your little ones outside to look at the stars. What if each star represents a lost tooth? After they lose that first tooth, you can even have them pick out which one is theirs!
Milestones of Baby Teeth and Enchanted Moments
Children tend to lose that very first tooth around six or seven years old. Just like that sheer excitement you felt when their very first tooth popped into view, the loss of it can be just as emotional. It’s a sign that they are growing up, taking the first big step into adulthood, gaining independence, and even leaving babyhood behind, little by little.
Celebrate this moment! Hype up the magic, and make all the memories. Not only will you be reliving your own childhood tooth fairy memories, but you will be making new ones for your children every step of the way. Soak it all in!
Nurturing Precious Smiles: Caring for Baby Teeth
It’s a common misconception that baby teeth are simply placeholders. Sure, our children lose that first set of teeth, but that doesn’t make them any less important! Making a good oral health routine for our children starts from day one, and it can go a long way to shaping their dental future.
Even when our children are really young, brushing their teeth (or even wiping those gums) twice a day sets the foundation for good oral care. They will learn good habits, and be more likely to continue it far into adulthood. Be sure to take them in for their first dental appointment as soon as they get their first tooth. Not only will this allow the dentist to watch for any potential issues, but it will also allow your child to get used to visiting the dental office. This can easily help your child avoid any dental anxiety as they grow up.
Weave Those Childhood Memories
No matter how the tooth fairy got its start, it now has a large part of nearly every childhood. Once you become a parent, it’s time to take on the role of tooth fairy and create those new fairy traditions to weave those childhood memories.
Whether your child just got their first tooth or lost their fourth, don’t forget to keep up with those regular dental cleanings. This will give them a head start to healthy, happy teeth throughout their entire life. You can make an appointment online today!