*Updated February 2026
Key takeaways about the importance of the Tooth Fairy:
- The Tooth Fairy plays an important role when it comes to teaching the value of good oral health to children.
- It’s important to encourage your child to partake in a proper oral health routine every day. This includes brushing twice and flossing once daily to keep their teeth shiny and healthy.
- The Tooth Fairy usually gives out cash, but there are other gifts that are fun and encourage good oral health habits.
Nearly 83 percent of homes in the United States are visited by the Tooth Fairy, and that’s a good thing! She helps parents encourage children to take care of their teeth and promote good oral health habits from a young age.
How does the Tooth Fairy help children take care of their teeth?
The Tooth Fairy helps children take care of their teeth by turning oral health care into a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to take full advantage of her encouraging ways:
1. Introduce the Tooth Fairy early
When first introducing the Tooth Fairy, it’s a good idea to talk about the rewards she brings for having clean and healthy teeth. 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.
2. Include a letter from the Tooth Fairy
When your child loses their first tooth, start by congratulating them on the milestone. One way to do so is to give them a personalized letter from the Tooth Fairy that encourages your child to keep up the good work on their healthy smile.
Pro tip: 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 maintain their dental health routine.
3. Don’t forget about gifts from the Tooth Fairy
The Tooth Fairy usually gives out cash, at an average rate of $5.01 per tooth. But there are other options that are fun and encourage good oral health habits.
The Tooth Fairy may also bring:
- A new toothbrush, possibly with their favorite character on it
- A fresh tube of their favorite toothpaste
- Tooth Fairy sized travel toothpaste
- Floss
- Mini mouthwashes
- Stickers or other prizes
Whether the Tooth Fairy brings cash or gifts, these 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 your children will need throughout the entirety of 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.
