[left that other site]

Does anyone know how this started? I know the origins of Santa Claus, the the Tooth Fairy is really BIZARRE!

[Doogle]

http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2170/whats-the-origin-of-the-tooth-fairy

[JoeProBono]

“In early Europe, it was a tradition to bury baby teeth that fell out. When a child’s sixth tooth falls out, it is a custom for parents to slip a gift or money from the tooth fairy under the child’s pillow, but to leave the tooth as a reward. Some parents also leave trails of glitter on the floor, representing fairy dust.

In northern Europe, there was also a tradition of tann-fé or tooth fee, which was paid when a child lost their first tooth.[6] This tradition is recorded in writings as early as the Eddas, which are the earliest written record of Norse and Northern European traditions.

The reward left varies by country, the family’s economic status, amounts the child’s peers report receiving and other factors. A 2011 study found that American children receive $2.60 per tooth on average.”

[PuzzledInTX]

"The Tooth Fairy may be the canary in the economic coal mine. She's showing signs of life by leaving 40 cents more per tooth this year," Alderman said. "This is not only good news for kids, but an ideal teachable moment for parents to engage their children in thinking about how to budget their windfall by saving a portion."

This canary shows me the true inflation rate, not the good news as trying to be depicted here. Parents know the true worth of a dollar nowadays.

[Bigg Red]

Yes, IMO, the Tooth Fairy is stupid. Usually, by the time kids start losing teeth, they are too old to believe in such stuff. The TF never visited me or my children, and we survived.