Fairy, Fairy, Quite Contrary: Tooth Loss Traditions from Around the World

Losing a first tooth is a very big moment in a child’s life! In fact, all around the world, there are traditions to help celebrate this important milestone as they get one step closer to adulthood. Here’s a closer look at some of the fun ways that kids across the globe say goodbye to their primary teeth that you and your family can try at home!

Mighty Mice

In many Spanish speaking countries, children are taught the legend of Ratocinto Perez, a mouse who sneaks underneath children’s pillows to take their lost teeth. As a token of his appreciation, he leaves behind a small trinket or money. In Argentina, Ratocinto Perez is a bit more careful about waking his clients, as they leave their teeth for him in a glass of water, so they aren’t disturbed.

Latin countries aren’t the only place that have rodents retrieve lost teeth. In Morrocco, France, Belgium and Switzerland, a mouse referred to as La Petit Souris (the little mouse) takes fallen teeth and leaves behind a cash payment!

The Sky’s the Limit

In Korea and Brazil, it is tradition to toss lost teeth onto the roof so birds can take them away and bring back replacement teeth for the child, while in the Middle East, children throw them up towards the sun to ask the giant star to grant their wish for a healthy adult smile.

In Japan, children toss their top teeth up toward the sky, and their bottom teeth onto ground to encourage their permanent smile to grow in straight and healthy.

Treasure Trove

While many cultures are eager to get rid of baby teeth once they’ve fallen, some encourage children to keep them. In Turkey, they bury them near a business where they hope to someday work, such as a dental office if they hope to grow up and be a dentist.

Lithuanian children save their lost teeth in special boxes and eventually make them into jewelry, and in the Ukraine, teeth are wrapped in cloth and hidden in the darkest corners of the home until the child’s adult smile emerges.

Remember, no matter what part of the world your family is from, losing baby teeth is an important milestone, and one that should be celebrated accordingly! Whether you’ll be getting a visit from a fairy, a generous rat, or even a bird, these toothy traditions are an excellent way to help make your child’s transition into their adult smile that much more memorable!

About Our Practice

At New England Kids, our trio of caring and talented pediatric dentists understands that losing baby teeth (and getting adult teeth) is a big deal! That’s why we’re proud to treat children of all ages, from their first tooth to adulthood! Whether your little one needs a first checkup, a regular dental exam and cleaning, or if you’re interested in learning more about advanced treatments or orthodontics, call us at 508-832-6278 or visit our website and help them create a memorable smile that will last a lifetime!