How the Tooth Fairy Encourages Children to Take Care of Their Teeth

Posted on January 26, 2022 in Kid's Health

*Updated February 2026

Key takeaways about the importance of the Tooth Fairy:

• The Tooth Fairy plays a fun role in teaching the value of good oral health to children.
• Encourage your child to follow a proper oral health routine every day. This routine includes brushing twice and flossing once daily to keep their teeth shiny and healthy.
• The Tooth Fairy usually gives out cash, but consider 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 care for their teeth and practice 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. Rewards can help motivate children to take great care of their teeth before they’re ready to fall out.

Before the first tooth becomes loose, encourage your child to follow a good oral health routine every day. A good routine includes brushing twice and flossing once daily to keep teeth shiny and healthy for the Tooth Fairy.

2. Include a letter from the Tooth Fairy

When your child loses their first tooth, you should start by congratulating them on the milestone. One way to do this is to deliver 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 keep up the good work.

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 fun ways to encourage good oral health habits. 

For example, the Tooth Fairy could 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 encourage 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 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 ways to help children learn how to care for their teeth.

To learn more about the Tooth Fairy, click here.