February 28th is National Tooth Fairy Day, so mark your calendars. This is the perfect opportunity to get your children excited about their dental care routine as they learn healthy habits that will last them a lifetime. Mark the occasion by telling them the story of the tooth fairy and celebrating the day with some fun. 

The History of the Tooth Fairy

The legend of the tooth fairy dates back as far as the 10th century, with the Norse people and northern Europeans. They had a tradition of burying or burning the lost baby teeth of a child to spare them from hardship in the next life. The Vikings would keep the teeth with them, as they were thought to bring them good luck and protection during battle. The parents paid a fee to their children, called the "tand-fe," when they lost their first tooth. 

The earliest recording of the word "tooth fairy" didn't come until much later, in a 1908 issue of the Chicago Tribune. The article author, Lillian Brown, suggested to parents that they play the tooth fairy, giving their children a gift of 5 cents under their pillow for each tooth lost. This would make kids more amenable to having their loose baby teeth pulled. 

How to Celebrate the Day

Crafts

Kids love crafts, and the tooth fairy has a lot of opportunity for creativity. Have the kids draw what they think the tooth fairy looks like, then go around to have everyone explain their drawings. Create a DIY tooth fairy pillow out of felt; the pillow can be shaped like a tooth and have a small pocket in it where they can place a tooth once they lose it. This is where they'll find their "tand-fe" the next morning. 

Highlight Dental Care

Get the kids excited about their home dental care. Take them to the store and let them pick out their own new toothpaste and brush, such as one based on their favorite cartoon character. 

Make brushing more fun by downloading a dental app for kids, which will time them for two minutes and track their day-to-day progress. Popular options are the Disney Magic Timer®, Toothsavers®, and Chomper Chums®. Before that final brush of the day, cuddle up for a movie night with some healthy snacks, such as carrots, celery, apples, cheese, and yogurt. 

The family dentist at Tri-State Dental Care will teach your kids about great dental habits in Fort Wright, KY. They offer a full array of general dentistry services, such as teeth cleanings and fluoride treatments, all in a comfortable environment that will leave them feeling at ease. Learn more on their website and schedule an appointment by calling (859) 426-2790.