National Tooth Fairy Day – Aug. 22, 2026

National Tooth Fairy Day
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United States
Date change rule:
Every August 22
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National Tooth Fairy Day lights up every August 22, celebrating the enchanting tradition of children losing their baby teeth. This day encourages families to embrace the magic, create lasting memories, and celebrate this unique childhood milestone. Prepare for a sprinkle of fairy dust and a special surprise under the pillow!

Want to sponsor National Tooth Fairy Day? Learn how

Expected National Tooth Fairy Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that retailers often offer special deals on children’s oral care products, small toys, and even books related to the Tooth Fairy. Look for discounts from brands like Colgate and Crest on kids’ toothbrushes and toothpaste, or promotions from toy stores like Toys ‘R’ Us on small trinkets. Bookstores such as Barnes & Noble might feature children’s books about the Tooth Fairy, while craft stores like Michaels could offer supplies for creating custom tooth pillows or keepsake boxes. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as August 22 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Tooth Fairy Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalToothFairyDay. Share short, whimsical videos of kids’ reactions to finding Tooth Fairy gifts or creative ways to celebrate.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalToothFairyDay. Post charming photos of toothless grins, DIY tooth pillows, or creative Tooth Fairy notes and tiny gifts.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalToothFairyDay. Share heartwarming stories or photos of your family’s Tooth Fairy traditions and ask others to share theirs.

Social Media Tips for National Tooth Fairy Day

Individuals

Help your child write a letter to the Tooth Fairy, create a special tooth-holding pouch, or leave a tiny, personalized note and a small, unexpected 'fairy' gift under their pillow.

Creators

Produce a short film or stop-motion animation about the Tooth Fairy's journey, or share a DIY tutorial for crafting magical tooth fairy doors or miniature furniture for her visits.

Brands

Launch a 'Lost Tooth' photo contest, partner with a local dentist for a 'Healthy Smiles' campaign, or offer special discounts on children's oral care products or small, enchanting gifts.

Top Brands for National Tooth Fairy Day

  1. Colgate

    Founded in 1806 by William Colgate, this global consumer product company is renowned for its oral hygiene products. Colgate offers a wide range of toothpaste and toothbrushes specifically designed for children, making it a staple in many Tooth Fairy households.

  2. Crest

    Introduced by Procter & Gamble in 1955, Crest quickly became a leading brand in oral health. With innovations like fluoride toothpaste, Crest provides various products for kids, supporting healthy dental habits from a young age, often associated with Tooth Fairy visits.

  3. Oral-B

    Originating in 1950 with the invention of the modern toothbrush by Dr. Robert Hutson, Oral-B is a prominent brand in dental hygiene. Owned by Procter & Gamble, Oral-B offers a variety of manual and electric toothbrushes, including popular children's lines featuring beloved characters.

  4. Disney

    The Walt Disney Company, founded in 1923, is a global entertainment giant known for its magical storytelling and beloved characters. Disney's enchanting narratives and fairy tales, including those featuring magical creatures, align perfectly with the whimsical spirit of the Tooth Fairy tradition.

  5. American Dental Association (ADA)

    Founded in 1859, the ADA is the largest professional organization of dentists in the United States. They advocate for public health and provide resources on oral hygiene, often promoting healthy habits that ensure children's teeth are well-cared for until the Tooth Fairy's arrival.

  6. Hallmark

    Founded in 1910 by Joyce Hall, Hallmark is a leading manufacturer of greeting cards and gifts. They offer a range of products for childhood milestones, including Tooth Fairy-themed cards, small gifts, and keepsake items that capture the magic of losing a first tooth.

  7. Moonlite

    Moonlite, founded in 2016, creates storybook projectors that attach to smartphones, bringing children's books to life with projected images and sound. Their magical storytelling approach resonates with the imaginative world of the Tooth Fairy, making bedtime stories extra special.

National Tooth Fairy Day Hero

The Tooth Fairy

The Tooth Fairy is a beloved fantasy figure in Western cultures, especially in the United States and Canada, who collects children's lost baby teeth and leaves a small payment or gift in return. This tradition, believed to have originated in medieval European folklore and evolved through the 20th century, serves to comfort children during the often-unsettling experience of losing teeth. She symbolizes the transition from babyhood to childhood, making the milestone a magical and memorable event for millions of children worldwide.

History of National Tooth Fairy Day

There are three figures that are the pillars of modern mythology for children—Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy. While the first two are well documented and discussed, not much is known about our elusive flying friend. But the Tooth Fairy is quite popular because every night children around the world excitedly anticipate the Tooth Fairy’s arrival after they have lost a tooth. 

The origin of fairies dates back to 13th-century England when they were described for the first time by Gervase of Tilbury. The tradition of a child receiving a gift for a lost tooth can be traced back to medieval Europe. In a collection of writings called the “Eddas” about the Norse and Northern European traditions, there is a reference to a ‘tand fe,’ which directly translates to ‘tooth fee.’ As part of this tradition, children would receive a small fee from their parents when they lost their first tooth. This is because teeth were a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Some Viking warriors would even wear a string of teeth as a necklace during battle to protect them.

The closest counterpart of the modern Tooth Fairy came in the form of an 18th-century French fairytale, “La Bonne Petite Souris” (“The Little Good Mouse”). However, the first written American record of a reference to the ‘Tooth Fairy’ dates back to a 1908 “Chicago Tribune” article in which the author, Lillian Brown, provided parents with a magical suggestion on how to get their children to have their loose milk teeth pulled. That suggestion was, you guessed it, telling their kids that the Tooth Fairy would leave five cents under their pillow for every tooth they lost. In 1927, an eight-page script for a children’s play titled “The Tooth Fairy” was written by Esther Watkins Arnold. The play became widely popular, with schools reenacting it and imaginations being stirred with thoughts of a tooth fairy collecting teeth in exchange for money or presents. Since then, the Tooth Fairy has become a global phenomenon, reportedly paying visits to children in the U.K., Canada, and Australia.

Just like the mystery surrounding the fairy, the origin of the holiday is just as mysterious. Someone somewhere created National Tooth Fairy Day to be celebrated in August but in the lives of children who are losing their baby teeth, the Tooth Fairy is celebrated all year round, as they partake in the enchanting experience of receiving visits and surprises from the Tooth Fairy for every tooth they lose. 

National Tooth Fairy Day timeline

1908
A Tooth Fairy is Born

The earliest reference to the Tooth Fairy appears in a "Chicago Daily Tribune" Household Hints column.

1920s
Fairies as Advocates of Health Education

Fairies are used to encourage kids to eat their vegetables, go to sleep on time, and clean their teeth.

1925
Tooth Fairy Toothpaste

An advertisement for Fairy Wand Tooth Whitener uses an image of the Tooth Fairy.

1927
The Tooth Fairy Takes the Stage

Watkins Arnold’s 1927 play for children, “The Tooth Fairy,” debuts.

2004
Peppa Tooth Fairy

The popular children’s cartoon “Peppa Pig” features the Tooth Fairy in one of its episodes.

2021
The Tooth Fairy on the Silver Screen

“The Tooth Fairy” movie debuts, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Julie Andrews as the titular characters.

2021
National Today Celebrates

The company, The Tooth Fairy, sponsors National Tooth Fairy Day and the first celebration takes place. Want to be a sponsor: learn how.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Tooth Fairy Day

Local businesses can sprinkle some magic on National Tooth Fairy Day. Dental offices can host ‘Lost Tooth’ events, offering free check-ups for kids and Tooth Fairy certificates. Toy stores can create special displays of small, fairy-themed gifts and tooth-friendly treats. Even restaurants could offer a ‘Tooth Fairy’s Treat’ special for families dining with a child who recently lost a tooth, making the experience memorable and fun.

National Tooth Fairy Day FAQs

When is National Tooth Fairy Day?

National Tooth Fairy Day 2026 falls on Saturday, August 22, offering a perfect weekend opportunity for families to celebrate this enchanting childhood tradition. Get ready for a magical exchange!

How much money does the Tooth Fairy leave?

The amount the Tooth Fairy leaves varies widely by region and family, but recent surveys suggest an average of $4 to $5 per tooth in 2025. First teeth often command a slightly higher rate, sometimes up to $20.

How many children believe in the Tooth Fairy?

A significant majority of children in the United States, roughly 75-80% of those aged 4-8, believe in the Tooth Fairy. This magical figure plays a key role in making the natural process of losing baby teeth a positive and exciting experience for young kids.

What is the origin of the Tooth Fairy?

The modern Tooth Fairy tradition is a blend of various European folk tales and American cultural adaptations, emerging prominently in the early 20th century. While ancient traditions involved burying or burning lost teeth, the Tooth Fairy as a gift-giver gained popularity in the 1900s, solidifying her role by the 1920s and 30s.

National Tooth Fairy Day Activities

  1. Watch a movie or read a book about Tooth Fairy tales

    There are dozens of books about the Tooth Fairy and other popular fairy tales. Go to your local library and check out a few. Read them with your child or an important kid in your life. There's also the “The Tooth Fairy” movie and its sequel, both great for the whole family!

  2. Prepare for a Tooth Fairy visit

    If your child happens to be close to losing a tooth on National Tooth Fairy Day, help them get ready for a visit! Tell them about the legend of the Tooth Fairy. You can even try the various common tricks to get that tooth to fall out today! And if you succeed, help your child hide the tooth under their pillow for the Tooth Fairy to find and exchange for a small surprise. A hand-written letter from the Tooth Fairy is another great way to get your child excited about the upcoming visit — they’ll be sure to cherish it for years to come.

  3. Take care of your teeth

    This is something most of us should do every day but sometimes we slack off. Let National Tooth Fairy Day inspire you to dig out that floss and brush those teeth until your pearly whites sparkle! This day is also ideal for evaluating the brushing technique of children and assisting them in perfecting it. Make sure your child is brushing their teeth twice a day, for two minutes. All around, inside and out, tops and bottoms—including the biting surfaces!

5 Fun Facts About The Tooth Fairy To Dig Your Teeth Into

  1. The Tooth Fairy collects a lot of teeth

    On average, the Tooth Fairy collects about 300,000 teeth from children every night.

  2. The going rate for teeth

    About 10 years ago, the Tooth Fairy paid around $1 for a tooth, while today, due to inflation, they’re paying up to $5 for a single tooth—on average, however, they leave $3.70 per tooth.

  3. There was a Tooth Fairy Museum

    A professor and expert in the Tooth Fairy, Rosemary Wells, opened the first Tooth Fairy Museum in Deerfield, Illinois, in 1993—it closed down in 2000 after Wells’ death.

  4. Most children believe in the Tooth Fairy

    About 40% to 65% of children believe in the Tooth Fairy, depending on their age.

  5. No one actually knows what the Tooth Fairy looks like

    Unlike Santa Claus, there isn’t a widely-held consensus on the Fairy’s appearance—Dr. Rosemary Wells (widely recognized as America’s foremost Tooth Fairy Expert) conducted a survey in 1984 and found that while 74% of Americans viewed the Tooth Fairy as female, another 12% believed the Tooth Fairy was neither male nor female. The remaining 14% imagined the Tooth Fairy as a bear, a bat, a dragon, and various other characters!

Why We Love National Tooth Fairy Day

  1. Excitement in children

    Children love the excitement of waking up to a gift from a fairy in exchange for a lost tooth. It’s a fun myth for parents as well as children. Participating in the fun and watching the pure joy little kids exude is wonderful. The excitement for both parents and children is akin to waiting for Santa Claus at Christmas and we all love it!

  2. The fun of folklore

    Everybody loves a good story, especially if it's sprinkled with fairy dust. For centuries, fairy stories have enthralled both children and adults around the world.

  3. It shows how resilient and brave kids really are

    From the day they pop their first tooth, to the day they lose their last, a child’s smile goes through SO many changes in the first few years of their lives! Some changes can be physically painful, while others may be figuratively painful as the awkward toothless years create smiles resembling happy little jack-o-lanterns. The idea of the Tooth Fairy celebrates these moments in a fun way by encouraging children to be brave and face the unknown, while never losing their sense of whimsy and imagination—not to mention, discovering something shiny and new under your pillow makes it all worthwhile.

National Tooth Fairy Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 August 22 Saturday
2027 August 22 Sunday
2028 August 22 Tuesday
2029 August 22 Wednesday
2030 August 22 Thursday