dental humor

Lost Tooth Traditions Around the World

December 3rd, 2021

What is the most exciting thing to happen to a child’s tooth? No, it’s not getting braces (although everyone at Barden Orthodontics thinks that getting braces is very exciting!).  It’s losing your first (and second, and third) baby tooth!

In the United States, children usually put their lost tooth under their pillow and a tooth fairy takes the tooth and leaves money or coins.  However, did you know these tooth fairy traditions vary around the world?

Here are some of Dr. Barden's favorite traditions from around the world:

  • Botswana - Children throw their lost tooth on the roof and say “Mr. Moon, Mr. Moon, please bring me a new tooth.”
  • Chili - Children give the tooth to their mother who makes it into a gold or silver charm that can be worn as a necklace or earing.
  • France - Children put their lost tooth under their pillow. A mouse, La Petite Souris, comes to take it and leaves a gift.
  • Guatemala – Raton Miguelito takes the tooth and leaves a coin.
  • Ireland – Leprechauns take the tooth and leave a gold coin.
  • Pakistan - Children wrap their lost tooth in cotton. At sunset they throw it in the water for good luck.
  • Sweden - Children put their lost tooth in a glass of water. In the morning, the tooth will be replaced with a coin.
  • Taiwan - Children throw their lost tooth on the roof.

According to a 2018 U.S. poll the average “Tooth Fairy Rate” for a lost tooth was $3.70. Although cash may be the most popular gift, gold dollar coins, dollar bills sprayed with glitter, and even small toys are fun things to exchange for the lost tooth.

Whatever tradition you follow, the loss of a child’s first tooth is a fun dental milestone to celebrate.

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Smile with a Tooth Joke!

April 5th, 2019

Over the years, patients, friends, and family have told us a number of funny (and a few not so funny) teeth-related jokes. At Barden Orthodontics we love what we do – making beautiful, healthy smiles. And we LOVE a good joke that makes people laugh and show off their beautiful smiles!

Because we know everyone can use a good laugh, we have compiled our favorite jokes below. ENJOY!

What did the tooth say to the departing dentist? Fill me in later

What did the dentist say to the golfer? You have a hole in one

What did the orthodontist do on the roller coaster? She braced herself

Why did the King go to the dentist? To get a new crown

Where does a whale go to get braces? The orca-dontist

What is the best time to go to the dentist? “tooth-hurty”

What did the dentist of the year win? A little plaque

Why did the snowman go to the orthodontist? To fix his frostbite

How are false teeth like the stars? They come out at night

Why did the cell phone go to the dentist? It was having trouble with its Bluetooth

Why are orthodontists such good problem solvers? They get to the root of a problem

Which teeth do you have to brush? Just the ones you want to keep

What is an orthodontist’s favorite day of the week? Toothsday

Share your favorite (tooth) jokes with us at your next appointment or on our Facebook page. Let’s see some smiles!