7500 Iron Bar Lane, Suite 201
Gainesville, VA 20155

(Across the street from the Gainesville IHOP)

Cultural Alternatives to the Tooth Fairy

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When you lost a baby tooth, you most likely placed it underneath your pillow and rose the next morning to find some money in its stead. At least that’s likely what occurred if you grew up in the US. Did you know that other countries have one-of-a-kind traditions regarding what to do with baby teeth once they’ve fallen?

While we tend to put the tooth under our pillows, people in Sweden and Norway place their pearly whites in a cup of water. (We hope no one accidentally drinks this it! Eww!) Due to the soft nature of pulling the tooth out from beneath the pillow while the child sleeps, a small mouse does the Tooth Fairy’s job in Italy, France and Belgium. In Scotland, these traditions come together: a fairy rat uses coins to buy the fallen chompers from the children. In Greece, Mexico and Turkey, children toss their baby teeth onto the roof of their homes after wishing aloud.

Assistance is just a phone call away. Please phone 571-261-2600 to reach our Awesome Smiles Dental Center office and pencil in your checkup with Dr. Tontra Lowe in Gainesville, Virginia. The entire team at Awesome Smiles Dental Center will be happy to help you! Call now for a brighter smile.