Where did the tooth fairy come from?

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where the tooth fairy myth originated. Some say it began in France, based on a tale in which a fairy disguised as a mouse saves an imprisoned king and queen by knocking their captor out of a tree — and knocking out several of the captor’s teeth in the process. French children offered their teeth to this “tooth mouse.” Children’s teeth have been offered up in many countries for quite some time, perhaps to ensure good luck or prevent tooth decay. The tooth fairy herself began to show up in the early 20th century, both in the United States and abroad. Regardless of her origins, she’s a much-loved part of many people’s childhoods.