The Tooth Fairy is a beloved childhood figure, but her origins are more complex than you might expect. The tradition dates back to medieval Europe, where parents buried children’s lost teeth to protect them from witches, who were believed to use them for spells.
In 18th-century France, a similar custom featured a “tooth mouse” that exchanged teeth for coins. By the 20th century, the idea of a fairy collecting teeth gained popularity in the U.S., inspired by folklore and Disney’s depiction of magical fairies.
Today, the Tooth Fairy is a global phenomenon, with variations worldwide—some cultures throw teeth on rooftops, while others plant them in the ground for good luck!
