National Tooth Fairy Day - August 22, 2024

National Tooth Fairy Day on August 22 lets the kid in you relive all the fun of remembering how the Tooth Fairy swapped your front tooth for a few coins or even a dollar, which you discovered under your pillow in the morning. The myth is comforting for many children who are afraid of losing a tooth.

The tradition of a child receiving a gift for a lost tooth traces back to medieval Europe but the persona of the “Tooth Fairy” came about in the 20th century. We love the Tooth Fairy story because it speaks to the wonder, innocence and trusting natures of children.

National Tooth Fairy Day timeline

2012

The Tooth Fairy delivers on the silver screen

"The Tooth Fairy" movie debuts starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as the titular character (which seems like very weird casting...)

1927

The Tooth Fairy takes the stage

Watkins Arnold’s 1927 play for children, "The Tooth Fairy," debuts.

1908

A Tooth Fairy Is born

The earliest reference to the Tooth Fairy appears in a "Chicago Daily Tribune" Household Hints column.

National Tooth Fairy Day Activities

Prepare for a Tooth Fairy visit

If you know a kid that happens to lose a tooth coincidentally on National Tooth Fairy Day, help them get ready for a visit. Tell them about the Tooth Fairy legend and help them hide the tooth under their pillow for the Tooth Fairy to "find." Go ahead, be a kid again!

Watch a movie or read a book about fairy tales

There are dozens of books about the Tooth Fairy and other popular fairy tales. Go to your local library and check out a few. Read them with your child or an important kid in your life. There's also the "The Tooth Fairy" movie and its sequel, both great for the whole family. (Just don't check out the scary movie version with the same name!)

Take care of your teeth!

This is something most of us should do every day but sometimes we slack off. Let National Tooth Fairy Day inspire you to dig out that floss and brush those teeth until your pearly whites sparkle!

Why We Love National Tooth Fairy Day

Excitement in children

Children love the excitement of waking up to a gift from a fairy in exchange for a lost tooth. It’s a fun myth for parents as well as children. Participating in the fun and watching the pure joy little kids exude is wonderful. The fun for both parents and children is akin to waiting for Santa Claus at Christmas and we all love it!

The fun of folklore

Everybody loves a good story, especially if it's sprinkled with fairies and fairy dust. For centuries, fairy stories have enthralled both children and adults around the world.

It makes losing a tooth less painful

Losing a tooth is scary when you’re a little kid, but when you know it means waking up to some money or a small gift, it's worth the pain. The idea of the Tooth Fairy helps kids cope with what could otherwise be a scary experience for them and a difficult one for parents. Thanks Tooth Fairy, we owe ya’ one!

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