Tooth fairy day – pediatric dentistry
Together with our youngest patients, we celebrate International Tooth Fairy Day on February 28. Tooth Fairy Day is also observed on August 22.
Teething and Baby Teeth – Helping Your Child Overcome Fear
For children, losing baby teeth can be a fun experience when we engage their imagination and introduce them to the magic of the Tooth Fairy. The transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth can be as exciting as waiting for presents under the Christmas tree—except, in this case, the fairy brings a gift and leaves it under the pillow in exchange for the lost tooth.
When a baby tooth falls out, it should be placed in a small box or wrapped in cloth and tucked under the pillow. Every child will go to bed with excitement, eagerly awaiting the surprise. The anticipation of a reward helps eliminate any fear of losing or having a tooth extracted.
That’s why we want to share the story of the Tooth Fairy, so you can tell it to your children in a way they will find engaging. Throughout history, many cultures have believed in the magical power of baby teeth. The Vikings would exchange baby teeth for coins and then craft them into amulets, which they wore as protective charms in battle.
During the Middle Ages in England, people would destroy or burn baby teeth to prevent witches from using them to cast spells on children.
In Norway and Finland, parents warned children about Hammaspeikko, a troll who came for those who didn’t brush their teeth. The sound of a toothbrush, they believed, scared the troll away, protecting their teeth from cavities. This legend later inspired the well-known illustrated children’s book “Karius and Baktus”, which is still performed in theaters today and remains part of the school curriculum in many countries. Through storytelling and play, children learn the importance of proper oral hygiene. Perhaps this early awareness is one reason why Scandinavians statistically have some of the healthiest teeth in the world.
In Japan, children throw their lower teeth onto the roof and place their upper teeth under the floorboards, believing this will help their new teeth grow in straight.
Oral Hygiene and Cavities in Children
The Tooth Fairy is a modern story. Similar to Santa Claus, she has a list—but instead of good children, she keeps track of well-brushed teeth. Teeth without cavities (those free from the “tooth worm” hiding in the tooth cave) are worth much more. Additionally, clean teeth are more valuable than unbrushed ones, so it’s important to remind children that the Tooth Fairy brings better gifts to those who take good care of their teeth.
With the help of stories like these, children will start to see the importance of brushing their teeth regularly. It’s crucial to instill good oral hygiene habits from an early age. We highly recommend regular dental checkups for children. Familiarity with the dentist from an early age reduces fear and ensures better dental health through ongoing motivation and hygiene training provided by a dentist. Encourage your child to brush their teeth regularly. Be a role model, supervise their brushing, and guide them patiently until they can do it independently.
At our clinic, we can help ensure that when the time comes for a baby tooth to fall out, it is clean and cavity-free. Cavities in children can develop quickly, so it’s essential to address them in time. Learn more about teething and childhood cavities here.
Special Event on February 28
To celebrate Tooth Fairy Day, we are dedicating February 28 to children. On this special day, we are available for advice and fun activities, introducing children to our friendly dental environment and magical toothbrushes and toothpastes.
🦷 Free dental checkups and cleaning
🦷 Special promotion on dental sealants for baby and permanent teeth
All children are welcome! Please schedule your appointment by February 25. We especially encourage children who are afraid of the dentist to join us—this won’t be an ordinary dental visit but a fun and magical experience!