Make a Wish! August 22nd is Tooth Fairy Day

July 30, 2021

Who doesn’t remember the thrill of losing a tooth and putting it under their pillow to find that in the morning, like magic, the tooth had vanished and money was in its place? And it was even better when we perhaps got to play Tooth Fairy for our own children. Like Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy is a beloved symbol of childhood. Unlike many other heroes of folklore, the Tooth Fairy exists in some form across numerous religions, cultures and countries.

Origins of the Tooth Fairy

The Tooth Fairy that we know today has origins dating back centuries. There are legends and traditions dating back centuries about the loss of baby teeth. During the Middle Ages, superstitions began to rise about baby teeth. In England, kids were advised to burn their baby teeth to prevent hardship in the afterlife. Vikings paid kids for their teeth because they believed that children’s teeth brought good luck in battle. Scandinavian warriors frequently wore necklaces adorned with children’s teeth.

The modern incarnation of the Tooth Fairy is only about a hundred years old. It is thought to be inspired by the tale of a tooth-gathering mouse.

While many cultures have an award for a lost baby tooth, the amount varies by country and the family’s economic status. According to a recent poll, American kids receive an average of $3.70 per tooth, with only 3% of kids getting less than a dollar and 8% receiving more than five dollars.

Losing Baby Teeth vs. Adult Teeth

While all parents look forward to playing the role of Tooth Fairy, the loss of a tooth in our adult years is hardly a cause for celebration. It’s important to continue to take care of our oral hygiene and pay regular visits to the dentist for routine checkups. Issues like tooth loss or gum disease are all too common as we age. MRTA and AMBA have Dental Plans that provide access to thousands of dentists nationwide and coverage on everything from routine dentist visits to procedures like root canals, crowns, and more. Sign up or learn more at www.AMBAdentalvision.com or call 866-979-0497.

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tooth-fairy-inflation-flies-high/

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