Baby Teeth Traditions of the World
When your child loses their first baby tooth, it’s an exciting milestone that should be celebrated! Many different cultures from around the world have unique traditions and customs to help celebrate this occasion. At Smiling Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Noblesville, we’re here to help shed light on some of the wonderful traditions that can be found worldwide and help add a touch of appreciation for your child’s reached milestone.
Baby Tooth Traditions From Around The World
The Tooth Fairy
The tooth fairy is considered the most famous tale associated with baby teeth. When a child loses their tooth, they place it under their pillow before sleeping. At night, the tooth fairy comes to take the tooth, leaving a small gift or money in its place, making it a magical experience for children.
Le Petite Souris
Translated as “The Little Mouse,” a mouse instead of a fairy comes and takes the tooth from under the child’s pillow and leaves a small gift or money behind. While the origins of this story are believed to have been started in 18th century France, many other cultures have taken the concept of this little mouse and ran with it as part of their own!
Ratoncito Perez or El Raton de Los Dientes
Ratoncito Perez, or “Little Mouse Perez,” is one example of a culture that takes a mouse who collects teeth and instills them into its own culture. Places like Spain, Guatemala, Venezuela, Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Mexico all have a mouse that takes lost teeth under their pillows and exchanges them with money and gifts.
Hiyoko-Chan
In places like Japan, children throw their lost baby teeth onto the rooftops of their local houses or shrines. This tradition is based on the belief that throwing the tooth upward will help the new tooth come in straight, and throwing it symbolizes bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new.
Chewing Gum Tree
In countries like Turkey, the chewing gum tree holds significance. Children tie their lost teeth to a chewing gum tree to ensure strong, healthy replacement teeth. Another variation of the same concept involves throwing the teeth onto the roof, allowing the birds to take the teeth and “bring back new ones.” Many other cultures, including Greece, Vietnam, Singapore, and China, throw their teeth onto the rooftop to wait for animals to retrieve them, and the animal of choice depends on the culture.
Visit Smiling Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Noblesville, IN, today!
There are many more baby teeth traditions where that came from, and they can be an exciting way to look at the ways we celebrate life milestones in our lives. At Smiling Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Noblesville, IN, we believe in celebrating all kinds of traditions to help children grow. If your child needs dental care, then our team can help. Call us at (317) 773-KIDS(5437) to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sam Bullard today.
