The Tooth Fairy

The loss of a child's tooth is handled differently throughout the world.

Here are some traditions that may be familiar...and others that may not be so familiar:

Slovenia, Spain, and Mexico

There is no Tooth Fairy.

It is instead a mouse that replaces the tooth with money or candy during the night.

Japan and Korea

An upper tooth is thrown onto the roof.

A lower tooth is placed beneath the house or floor of a home.

This helps an upper tooth grow downwards and a lower tooth upwards.

Austria

The tooth is made into a pendant head, key ring.

Some also follow the same customs as Japan/Korea above.

Italy

There is no Tooth Fairy.

The tooth is simply kept as a keepsake.

Mongolia

The tooth is fed in meat to a young dog.

Mongolians respect dogs as guardian angels.

Feeding the "guardian angel" the tooth helps make sure a strong tooth will grow in its place.

For more on the Tooth Fairy - visit The Tooth Fairy Network