Help the tooth fairy spread a little magical mystery – and encourage careful brushing

Last updated 11:33, Tuesday, 19 August 2008

It is teeth galore in our house at the moment as my baby gets them two at a time and my five-year-old loses them (wiggling them to get a reaction from me).The problem of whether or not these tales are acceptable for children is one that is often debated.

At the rate he is going I will need to call ‘Fairy Financial Services’.

Since forever adults have told tales of the Easter bunny and the tooth fairy for the entertainment and education of children.

Traditionally a tooth is placed under the child’s pillow at bedtime. In the morning they find a coin or present in the place of the tooth. They are told that the tooth fairy came during the night.

Santa Claus, the Easter bunny, the tooth fairy...the list of fictitious characters that most of us were introduced to during childhood goes on.

Can you remember how excited you were the night before Christmas? (My apologies to those whose religious beliefs do not condone these practices).

Can you also remember the disappointment when you found out the characters weren’t real?

In the case of Santa Claus, there is of course some historical background on the character.

But is it lying to create such stories for young children? I believe that rather than ‘lying’ it can be considered ‘myth-making’ or ‘story telling’.

Yes, they encourage a child's imagination (not that most need any encouragement) but at what cost?

Most parents seem to think that a little white lie is okay every now and then because it's ‘fun’ for the child though bear in mind that a child’s world can be complex; children who believe in such fairy tales are young and impressionable.

Back to the tooth fairy and good dental care is important, healthy teeth means fewer nasty experiences at the dentist. Establishing good brushing habits while your child is young will follow your child into adulthood.

Think of your child’s baby teeth as their ‘practice’ teeth to get them ready to care for their permanent teeth.

Some days my oldest son complains about everything from the water to the taste of the toothpaste or even the temperature in the bathroom.

The tooth fairy plays an important role in keeping my son’s teeth clean because the fairy doesn’t take dirty teeth, just the nice milky white ones.

I have tried many different methods to keep him interested in brushing from musical toothbrushes, overpriced ones with the newest superhero, electric brushes and even ones with lights that twirl and spin.

They all work for a while until the novelty wares off.

Following a successful visit to the dentist with my five-year-old I wanted to do something special for him.

When he went to sleep I sat at my computer and wrote a special letter from the tooth fairy telling him how super he had been at brushing his teeth and that although he is brushing every day he still needs to use the brushing ways that Mummy showed him.

I put a new toothbrush and grown-up toothpaste just for him by his bed and added a little fairy dust (glittery blusher). Most children know the tooth fairy is coming when they lose a tooth, but when the tooth fairy sends a note it can add a sense of excitement and encourages brushing.

My son was so pleased and told everyone how the tooth fairy came to see him.

He believes the tooth fairy is watching all the time, like Santa.

Whatever traditions and beliefs you teach your children, encourage them to enjoy their childhood, to have fun and add a sense of excitement and magical mystery now and then.