The Tooth Fairy: Psychological Issues Related to Baby Tooth Loss and Mythological Working Through

The Meaning and Purpose of Primary Tooth Disposal Rituals: Implications for Pediatric Dental Professionals

“…Most tooth disposal rituals serve as a means for psychological processing and to ease the transition from early to later childhood (6,11). For parents, their child's belief in magical figures, like the Tooth Fairy, signal that their child is still young and not growing up too quickly (2). For children, giving their first teeth away to the Tooth Fairy or other figures and getting "big teeth" symbolize relinquishment of early childhood (11).…”

“…The belief in and practice of tooth disposal rituals also provide parents and children with emotional benefits that give the traditions purpose. For example, for children who follow the Tooth Fairy tradition, the ritual may address possible psychological concerns that accompany tooth loss by promoting excitement for the Fairy's visit (2). Such concerns may include: anxiety surrounding the ambiguous state of their remaining teeth, trauma and pain from tooth exfoliation, which might remind children of growing teeth in their early months of life, and loss of infancy (2).…”

“…For example, for children who follow the Tooth Fairy tradition, the ritual may address possible psychological concerns that accompany tooth loss by promoting excitement for the Fairy's visit (2). Such concerns may include: anxiety surrounding the ambiguous state of their remaining teeth, trauma and pain from tooth exfoliation, which might remind children of growing teeth in their early months of life, and loss of infancy (2). A recent study found that 82% of children who participate in the pillow ritual experienced positive emotions, including joy and pride (1).…”

“…Rituals for disposing of exfoliated primary teeth exist in virtually every culture around the world (1)(2)(3)(4). The Tooth Fairy and associated pillow ritual, in which the primary tooth is placed under a child's pillow in exchange for money or gifts, are widely recognized in the United States, Europe, and other countries with large English-speaking populations (2,(5)(6)(7), appearing in children's books, movies, and even phone apps (8,9).…”

“…Rituals for disposing of exfoliated primary teeth exist in virtually every culture around the world (1)(2)(3)(4). The Tooth Fairy and associated pillow ritual, in which the primary tooth is placed under a child's pillow in exchange for money or gifts, are widely recognized in the United States, Europe, and other countries with large English-speaking populations (2,(5)(6)(7), appearing in children's books, movies, and even phone apps (8,9). A variety of other tooth disposal figures and traditions currently exist globally that hold meaning in their regions of origin, but might also be relevant in diverse patient populations, including recent immigrants, to the United States.…”