While the tooth fairy legend is different for cultures across the world, most cultures have some type of tradition surrounding how baby teeth are disposed of.

The tooth fairy / mouse is a mythical legend most moms pass on to their children. We often pass this legend on without even knowing where this strange legend originated. Many different legends,myths and traditions surround the loss of baby teeth through the years, and over the years these legends also evolved. From throwing teeth in fire, over the roof of the house or hiding it in shoes.

The tooth fairy legend is believed to have originated in the United States in the early part of the 1900s. This custom has remained popular.

One of the more recent traditions that also came out of Europe was a tooth deity in the form of a mouse who entered the rooms of children to take away their baby teeth.

The Tooth Fairy we know today in America was inspired by the myth of the good fairy in combination with the legend of the tooth deity mouse. And so, we ended up with a fairy creature that left behind tooth fairy gifts in place of lost teeth.

When kids begin losing their baby teeth they put their lost tooth under their pillow in hopes that the Tooth Fairy will show up to exchange that tooth for a bit of money.

How Other Cultures Celebrate the Tooth Fairy

• Burying the Tooth – Kids in Afghanistan bury lost teeth in a mouse hole, while parents in Turkey bury their children’s baby teeth in a place they think will bring their child success.

• Placing It in a Slipper – In South Africa a lost tooth is placed in a slipper. A magical mouse takes it from the slipper and leaves money.

• Tossing a Tooth – In many countries, such as India, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, and China, people toss the tooth over the top of a roof. This tradition dates back centuries to Middle Eastern countries as well.

• In a Glass – In Argentina, children put missing teeth in a glass by their bed and hope they’ll get a coin or candy in its place.

• The Tooth in a Box – Most people in Mexico place a lost baby tooth into a small box next to a child’s bed. The legend is that a magical mouse will come to collect the tooth and leave some coins behind.

Tooth fairy movies to watch:

• The tooth fairy
• Rise of the Guardians
• The Santa Claus
• Toothless

Tooth Fairy Traditions Can Encourage Good Dental Habits

Creative tooth fairy ideas can promote dental care education and establish good brushing habits. Reinforcing the importance of dental care routines by using notes written by the tooth fairy is a fun way to remind kids to brush and floss. Tooth fairy kits and notes are available online from quite a few mom-entrepreneurs. Or you can design your own using notepaper and glitter for fairy dust to make the experience seem even more authentic.

Follow the link below if you want to buy some tooth fairy kits

Unforeseen Circumstances Affecting Tooth Fairy Visits

• Write a note to explain the situation.

• No cash on hand: A simple explanation and a promise that he will come the following night..

• Forgets to visit: Explain that to many kids lost their teeth on the same day and he would come the following night.