As we prepare to celebrate National Tooth Fairy Day on February 28, the Incisor team was thrilled to secure an exclusive interview with the mythical creature herself.
By Susan Richards
Exceptional dental professionals are applauded by their patients and honored within our own DOCS community; however, we don’t often brush elbows with true industry celebrities. So, you can imagine our excitement when none other than THE Tooth Fairy agreed to sit down for an intimate conversation with The Incisor before her upcoming holiday on February 28: National Tooth Fairy Day.
Baby teeth have had a dark history before our current folkloric guest arrived on the scene in the early 20th century. Medieval superstitions often included the practice of burning a child’s lost tooth so they wouldn’t spend the afterlife searching for it. Burning them also prevented a witch from acquiring the teeth to wield power and control. Believed to be good luck, Vikings used to buy baby teeth to carry into battle.
Interview with the Tooth Fairy
Incisor Writer (IW): From bonfires to bespoke tooth pillows. You’ve come a long way over the centuries! Thank you so much for joining us today.
Tooth Fairy (TF): My pleasure. But I’m very busy since this whole fluoride debacle, so let’s get started.
IW: First of all, I see that not only do we honor you on February 28th, but Tooth Fairy Day also lands on August 22nd. How did you score two holidays?
TF: First of all, have you met me? Haha, actually, that was all thanks to my BFFs, dental hygienists. They’re very big on biannual events.
IW: Ahh, that makes sense. I recapped some of your history, which seemed a little dark when it came to disposing of lost baby teeth. What changed?
TF: Good PR, obviously. Lillian Brown, a writer for the Chicago Daily Tribune, mentioned me and my particular skills in 1908, and then I really began to shine.
IW: I see. In spite of your shimmering presence before me, there are still skeptics about your existence. What should we believe?
TF: You don’t have to believe. I have millions of children in the United States alone who keep putting their pearly whites under the pillow every year. It’s their opinion that matters. And Duane “The Rock” Johnson’s, of course.
IW: Yes, that was inspired casting when he played you in the movie. Your idea?
TF: I signed an NDA. Next question?
IW: Got it. Here’s a tough one. How do you explain the disparity in funds for children across varying demographics? Did you and Santa Claus just agree to give more to rich kids?
TF: Of course not! For one thing, Santa and I haven’t agreed on anything for centuries – except that a giant rabbit is terrifying, not cute.
My monetary and gift choices are the result of intense negotiations with parents before the first baby tooth drops. The economy is part of it, plus many of them understandably want to manage expectations early in life to avoid future disappointments.
If it were up to me, I’d give each kid a toothbrush and a million dollars.
IW: Wow, okay. Speaking of parents, tooth loss isn’t just a kid's issue. Wisdom teeth, accidents, and old age are all contributing factors. Do you compensate adults as well?
TF: Grownups are a little trickier, but I do what I can. Instead of cash, coins, or trinkets, I leave business cards under the pillow. Or sometimes I leave a mouthguard, especially for hockey players.
IW: Wait—you have your own business cards?!
TF: No, silly. They’re referrals to a friendly neighborhood endodontist, implant specialist, or cosmetic dentist.
IW: That’s incredibly kind and helpful! How do you know which doctors to recommend?
TF: Easy. They must be able to provide sedation. Fairy dust can only do so much.
IW: I love discovering how you’re making the world a better place – and not just for toothless little third graders. Thank you for stopping by, Tooth Fairy! Enjoy your holiday(s).
Author: Susan Richards is an award-winning staff writer at DOCS Education with 20+ years of experience in local journalism, feature writing, and business marketing. Her career includes content creation for a variety of industries, and she enjoys a healthy interest in pop culture, true crime, and imaginary creatures.
