The tooth fairy is an imaginary character from childhood folklore who supposedly visits children at night after they lose a baby tooth. According to the tradition, you place your lost tooth under your pillow before bed, and while you sleep, the tooth fairy sneaks in, takes the tooth, and leaves money in its place.

The tooth fairy helps make losing teeth less scary for young children. Baby teeth naturally fall out to make room for permanent adult teeth, but the process can feel strange or worrisome. The tooth fairy turns this milestone into something magical and exciting. Instead of just losing a tooth, you're participating in a special tradition that millions of children have experienced.

Different families have different tooth fairy customs. Some tooth fairies leave a quarter, others leave a dollar or more. Some families say the tooth fairy collects teeth to build a castle, while others imagine different purposes. In many families, parents are the ones who actually swap the tooth for money, keeping the tradition alive as a sweet part of childhood.

The tooth fairy belongs to a category of playful childhood figures like Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny, beloved characters that help mark special moments as children grow up. Most kids eventually figure out the truth, but the memories of believing stay warm and happy.