How the tooth fairy encourages children to take care of their teeth

*Updated August 2023

Nearly 80% of homes in the United States are visited by the Tooth Fairy, and that’s a good thing! She helps parents encourage their children to take care of their teeth and promote good oral health habits from a young age.

Here are some fun and creative ways to introduce the Tooth Fairy and the importance of good oral health to the children in your life.

Introducing the Tooth Fairy

It’s a good idea to talk about the Tooth Fairy and the rewards she brings for having clean teeth before her first debut. This can help motivate children to take great care of their teeth before they’re ready to fall out. Before the first tooth becomes loose, it’s important to encourage your child to partake in a good oral health routine every day. This includes brushing twice and flossing once daily to keep their teeth shiny and healthy for the Tooth Fairy.

Letter from the Tooth Fairy

When your child loses their first tooth, the first thing you should do is congratulate them on the milestone. One way to do so is to give them a personalized letter from the Tooth Fairy. We have sample letters that celebrate the occasion and emphasize the importance of keeping all their teeth healthy. If providing a letter isn’t enough, there’s also a Certificate of Achievement that inspires them to keep up on their dental health routine.

Gifts from the Tooth Fairy

The Tooth Fairy usually gives out cash—at an average rate of $6.36 per tooth—but there are other gifts that are fun and encourage good oral health habits. The Tooth Fairy may bring:

• A new toothbrush, possibly one with their favorite character on it
• A new tube of their favorite toothpaste 
• A Tooth Fairy-sized travel toothpaste
• Floss
• Mini mouthwashes

Whether the Tooth Fairy brings cash or gifts, small rewards can make a big difference in encouraging children to take care of their teeth.

Visits from the Tooth Fairy help children take care of their teeth

Proper dental hygiene is something that your children will need throughout their lives for good oral and overall health. Introducing the Tooth Fairy at a young age, teaching children to start and maintain good oral health habits, and making each lost tooth a magical experience are all important parts of helping them take care of their teeth.

To learn more about the Tooth Fairy, click here.