The Truth About the Tooth Fairy

By Claudia Rojas on February 1, 2024 in Children’s Oral Health

Lose a tooth. Place it under your pillow. Wake up in the morning and find a gift and/or money! It almost sounds too good to be true.

As long as the Tooth Fairy has been around — more than 100 years — this beloved character has sparked curiosity in the little ones who benefit from her generosity. Here are some common questions parents face about this winged wonder, along with tips on how you might answer those inquiries. 

I put my tooth under my pillow. Why didn’t the Tooth Fairy come last night?

The Tooth Fairy visits so many children every night, that sometimes she needs an extra day. Her wings get tired. She’ll be here tonight! 

What does she do with all of those teeth?

She uses them as bricks for her fairy castle. 

How does the Tooth Fairy know I lost a tooth?

A bell rings in her castle and she gets a message with your address every time you lose a tooth.

What does the Tooth Fairy look like?

I’ve never seen her, but I’ve heard she’s very tiny, has wings, carries a wand and sprinkles fairy dust. She wears a beautiful ball gown and ties her hair up in a bun. And she’s always happy, so her healthy smile shows at all times. 

Is the Tooth Fairy real?

Oh, boy! That’s the colossal question about this teeny tooth collector. Ask your own questions, such as, “Why do you ask?” or “What do you think?” Your child’s answer may help you understand if they are looking for encouragement to keep believing. If it seems the child wants to believe, reinforce that belief. Let your child know that you believe in the magic of the Tooth Fairy.

If the child no longer believes the Tooth Fairy is real, you can validate them as they are growing up. However, remind them that it’s a wonderful tradition that brought great joy to all of you. Ask non-believers not to ruin it for younger siblings or other children who are still entranced by the magic of the Tooth Fairy.

When the subject of the Tooth Fairy comes up, take the opportunity to talk to your children about oral health. Tell them the Tooth Fairy wants them to take great care of their smiles. You can reinforce this by seeing to it that the next time the Tooth Fairy visits she leaves a toothbrush, toothpaste, sugar-free gum or a Tooth Fairy book about oral health.