While we don’t know for sure how long the tooth fairy may have existed within different families, public references date back to the early twentieth century.Īnd in writing? Well, that appears to have happened when Esther Watkins Arnold wrote a playlet called The Tooth Fairy in the 1920s. The tooth fairy themself? They seem to have hit the scene a little more recently.
There has long been a European tradition of tand-fe (or tooth fee) where money was given in exchange for a baby tooth.Ĭhildren’s teeth may have also been used to offer protection - as well as bring good luck to Vikings in battle.Īnd predating the tooth fairy is an adorable tooth mouse.
In reality? Well, the idea of exchanging teeth for money has a complicated history. (This can be followed up with some exploration of what the mouth looks like and where each tooth lives.) Next time you make a wish, that’s where the magic will come from.Īnd if you want to use this as an educational opportunity:
Each tooth is ground down to make fairy dust.
