Why Kids Get Money For Missing Baby Teeth

Many Americans grew up receiving money, usually a few dollars for each baby tooth they lost. Perhaps you are in the same boat right now with your own children. Where did this concept of trading a tooth come from to a child for a few dollars?

Past Customs About Tooth Loss in Children

Throughout history and cultures, there have been different tooth removal traditions. In some cultures, baby teeth were burned or swallowed. In some countries, a child’s tooth symbolizes success in battle and is worn around the neck of warriors. During the Middle Ages, or Middle Ages, the child’s tooth was often buried in a hole in the ground to avoid giving indications to a witch that a child lived in the home. For a long time in Europe, it was a tradition to give a child money or a small gift when he lost his sixth tooth.

The idea of ​​a fairy and leaving the tooth under a pillow came from a popular 19th century French children’s book. In the book, a queen is imprisoned by an evil king. Finally he escapes with the help of a mouse that turns out to be also a fairy. To get revenge, the mouse fairy hits the king’s tooth and hides it under his pillow.

The American tooth fairy we know today did not appear until the early 1950s. During this era, Americans generally had more wealth and children were very important. As a result, a money-giving tooth fairy emerged. Like their fictional counterparts, the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus, the media hype also helped boost their notoriety. However, his fame was not widely known or popular until the late 1970s.

How much?

There are many factors that have come into play regarding the “rhythm” of the Tooth Fairy. The most important factor is the amount that the child’s family can spend. Another factor was how much the boy’s peers received. Over time, the rate of inflation, costs of living, and the value of the dollar have increased. Today, the estimated fee for the tooth fairy is around $ 3.25.

The tooth fairy phenomenon has now gone global to include countries such as England, Canada, Ireland, and Australia.

Falling baby teeth

Children begin to lose their primary or baby teeth around the age of six. The teeth fall out in the same order they grew, with the central front incisors falling first and the molars falling last. These last missing teeth occur around the age of 12. A third set of molars, more commonly called wisdom teeth, often do not erupt until the late teens. These teeth do not fall out on their own, but are surgically removed by the dentist. Not all patients need to have their wisdom teeth removed.

Most parents make the mistake of not taking care of their children’s teeth as well as necessary due to the inevitable loss of baby teeth. While these teeth will eventually fall out, it is important to take good care of them. Baby teeth that deteriorate or fall out prematurely can have a negative impact on the permanent permanent teeth that grow underneath, as well as alter the correct position and growth of neighboring teeth.

Although most children quickly realize that it is not the tooth fairy who is giving them money for their teeth, they are still grateful for the couple of dollars. If you have any concerns about the development of your child’s baby teeth, it is recommended that you make an appointment with your pediatric dentist.