Ridiculous History

CLASSIC: The Weird, Surprisingly Recent Origin of the Tooth Fairy

Oct 18, 2025
Discover the intriguing origins of the Tooth Fairy, a profit-making myth that emerged from European traditions. Delve into childhood memories and the ethical dilemmas surrounding fantasy figures like Santa. Explore how post-WWII America and Disney influenced this whimsical character. Learn about tooth valorization, with a surprising value of over $3 for each lost tooth, and hear about a quirky find of 1,000 hidden baby teeth. The episode concludes with global customs, revealing how different cultures celebrate tooth loss.
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INSIGHT

Tooth Fairy Is A Modern Cultural Patchwork

  • The modern Tooth Fairy is a recent, largely American invention rooted in older teeth rituals.
  • Postwar culture, corporate imagery, and child-centered parenting shaped the fairy into a money-exchanging figure.
ANECDOTE

Parents Revealed As The Tooth Fairy

  • Noel Brown recounts his daughter figuring out parents were the Tooth Fairy and the ensuing family dynamic.
  • Casey Pegram admits learning early and continuing the myth partly for financial benefit.
INSIGHT

Tooth Fairy Payouts Track The Economy

  • Tooth Fairy payouts tracked over time mirror economic trends and parental spending.
  • Delta Dental and other studies show averages rise with market prosperity.
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