Theriot Family Dental
Social Blog
121 Rue Louis XIV, Suite 2
Lafayette, LA 70508
Phone: (337) 984-3408
Learn More
329 Iberia Street
Youngsville, LA 70592
Phone: (337) 856-7268
Learn More
1930 Perkins Rd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: (225) 344-0391
Learn More

All About the Tooth Fairy

Posted by nmcclees

Tooth Fairy Holding a ToothThe Tooth Fairy is quite the fan favorite among our younger patients. With good reason! What’s not to love about a cute little fairy that takes lost teeth from underneath pillows and leaves behind money?

We’ve heard various origin stories of the Tooth Fairy. A fairytale in 18th century France, La Bonne Petite Souris, tells the tale of a fairy that changes into a mouse to help a good queen defeat an evil king by knocking out his teeth. It’s also been said that Vikings paid children for lost teeth.

The tooth fairy also seems to vary in appearance around the world. In the U.S. we usually picture her as an actual fairy that flutters around in bedrooms and under pillows. In France, Belgium, and some Spanish speaking countries, she is a friendly mouse. The first known mention of the Tooth Fairy in the U.S. was 114 years ago in the Chicago Daily Tribune.

Regardless of where our favorite little tooth collector came from or what she looks like, we think she’s great. The going rate for teeth has varied over the years. In 2004 the average amount of money she left was $1.78. Today it’s $4.66. She collects a lot of teeth – around 300,000 per night. She must be rich, because if we do that math on today’s going rate, she leaves behind $510,270,000.00 a year! We wonder what she does with all those teeth. We’ve heard that she uses teeth to build the fairy community where she lives, and that she makes jewelry.

Fun Facts about the Tooth Fairy:

  • There used to be a Tooth Fairy Museum in Illinois that displayed Tooth Fairy art, books, dolls, and memorabilia.
  • During the pandemic, the Tooth Fairy was categorized as an essential worker and was able to keep up with her duties. We wonder if she wore a mask.
  • When she’s not busy collecting teeth, she also appears in commercials for oral hygiene products, and runs an advice column with the American Dental Association.
  • We know the Tooth Fairy prefers healthy, cavity-free teeth, so be sure to bring your child for their regular dental visits. We love seeing them and make it fun. Requesting an appointment is easy.