The Tooth Fairy is a bit of a mysterious character. Nobody knows exactly where she comes from or how she became so popular. But almost all of us have tucked a tooth underneath our pillows at night and woken up to find a shiny coin there instead. This month, we’re celebrating National Tooth Fairy Day, so we thought it would be a good time to turn some attention toward children’s dental health.
Celebrating Visits from the Tooth Fairy
Losing a baby tooth is a significant milestone in more ways than one. Marking the occasion with a gift from the Tooth Fairy is a tradition in most American families, and in other countries around the world. Children in Denmark, Great Britain, and Australia also get visits from the tooth fairy, while children in Spain have been visited by a mouse called El Ratoncito Pérez since the 1800s.
Did you know that the Tooth Fairy’s rates change from year to year? You might have gotten a shiny quarter or even a dollar when you were little, but in 2022 the average rate for a lost tooth hit a record-setting high at $5.36 per tooth. She’s either keeping up with inflation or paying premiums for quality teeth—either way, losing a baby tooth certainly has its rewards.
But presents from the Tooth Fairy don’t only need to come when a child loses a tooth. Older kids might be more motivated to brush their teeth when they learn that it’s a habit that will pay off in the long run. Decide on a reward, set a goal together, and let your child track their progress. Whether they believe in the Tooth Fairy or not, earning a small prize for 30 days of good brushing will help kids remember to brush every day.
How to Keep Kids’ Teeth Healthy
The Tooth Fairy is a friend our ours here at Apple Tree Dental, so we always encourage kids to keep their teeth strong and healthy. One of the best ways to keep baby teeth (and permanent teeth) healthy is to make brushing more fun. When kids enjoy brushing their teeth, it becomes a daily habit that will continue into their teen and adult years.
Twice-a-year dental checkups are also crucial when it comes to keeping kids’ teeth healthy. Did you know that one out of every five kids aged 5-11 has an untreated cavity? Regular dentist visits can catch cavities early before they start causing pain and other issues. Getting cavities filled, even in baby teeth, can prevent decay from spreading to other teeth or affecting the development of your child’s permanent teeth.
Children’s Dentistry in Thornton, Colorado
Are your kids due for a checkup? Do they need a cleaning to get ready for their next visit from the Tooth Fairy? With our weekend and evening appointments, flexible scheduling, and two convenient locations, we make getting the whole family to the dentist a lot easier. Call us today to schedule a visit, or book an appointment online.