On the Job Training: Motherhood - Paging the Tooth Fairy

Her tooth is loose! Actually, there are two loose teeth!

She has been obsessing about this for months. “Everyone in my class has big teeth.” “[insert name of current BFF] has window in her mouth.” “Oh, I think my tooth is loose,” as she grabs a molar.

It’s hard to explain to Annika that she’s been on a different teething cycle than the rest of her peers. She didn’t get her first tooth until she was almost 11 months old. However, she apparently had all the symptoms since she was 3 months. Whenever she chewed something or cried a lot, people said, “Oh, she must be teething.” Yeah, teething more gums. That December, I would sing “All I want for Christmas are my two front teeth” to her.

On May 5th, her first tooth was finally loose, she proudly announced it to everyone we met that day. The doorman said hello and she said, “my tooth is loose!” We introduced her to a new friend and she said, “my tooth is loose!”

We went to the dentist a few weeks ago and I saw her X-rays with the next two teeth ready to pop out. It’s just about any time now.

Sadly, when my first teeth fell out, I felt guilty. My parents had always said, “If you don’t brush your teeth, your teeth will fall out.” One day it was wiggling and then.. wow.. it’s really out! Oh no, I haven’t been brushing properly! They were right!

Also, Indian parents don’t promote this tooth fairy business. My second tooth fell out in the car coming back from Jones Beach when I was 6 years old. I was actually eating a hot dog and the tooth was stuck in the hot dog. My aunt was right there, and she told me to throw the tooth out the window. In fact, go ahead and throw the hot dog out the window, too. My American friends actually profited from this?

So, I don't mind if Annika believes in the tooth fairy, Easter Bunny and Santa Claus. I used to think it was a mean thing parents did, but now I see it differently. Their enthusiasm and delight is really special.

I found a Tooth Fairy Box from a gift shop. It’s a really cute box with a pillow and a small note card is enfolded to capture the date. There’s a mirror so they can see the “window in their mouth.” I chose a purple one with a girl with flowing brown hair on a white horse – all of the elements for a perfect gift. Annika was excited and she placed it on her shelf. She often goes to the box and just looks at it.

Stay tuned for further updates! By the way, I’m sticking with quarters for each tooth. I don’t care what the going rate is for bicuspids or incisors.