The first tooth: signs and customs, what to do with the first milk tooth that fell out? The first milk tooth: a sign of good luck and protection of the baby.

Signs about the first tooth will help you figure out what to do with milk teeth so that they are strong, and what customs are associated with its appearance.

Popular beliefs

The first tooth erupts sooner or later.

  • This happens early, up to 4 months - soon the baby's mother will become pregnant.
  • Erupted late - indicated the outstanding talent of the little man. It was believed that the baby would have a rare gift.
  • How many milk teeth appeared by the age of 1, so many brothers and sisters he will have.

It was important which tooth erupted first.

  • Any top - a brother will be born soon, if the bottom is a sister.
  • Almost simultaneously, the two upper teeth appeared and there was a gap between them - a good warning. According to the ancient remarks about children, will be lucky, he will have many partners.

It happens that babies are born with milk teeth. In ancient times, people were afraid of such children and believed that sooner or later they would turn into minions of the black forces. Modern medicine explains this phenomenon as a genetic predisposition.

  • Rare teeth - a dreamer, he will lie.
  • Frequent - will become amorous.
  • Daughter / son gnashes his teeth - he is attacked by demons, there is negative energy around that you need to get rid of. Now it's for the worms.
  • Teeth climb for a very long time - the child will be lazy, capricious, in adulthood he will be prone to melancholy.
  • Wide and elongated teeth appear - the baby will be kind and happy.
  • Short and thin - will be greedy.

Customs associated with the first tooth

The most common ritual is the gift of a silver spoon. It is given by godparents, according to other signs - the one who first saw the tooth should buy it. The silver spoon should be the first cutlery that the baby will use to eat, he will attract good health, happiness, wealth and good luck to him.

Many peoples of the world have a tradition to arrange a holiday in honor of the appearance of the first tooth. On this occasion, a celebration is arranged and relatives guess - objects that symbolize professions are laid out in front of the child. The child is seated in the middle of these things, covered with sheets, sprinkled with wheat grains, they say in unison:

Grow teeth strong, healthy, whole and white.
And you, baby, grow up healthy, smart, strong and happy!

Now the sheet is removed. Whatever thing the baby takes first, this will be his profession.

Where to put baby teeth

Representatives of various nations had their own traditions associated with fallen milk teeth. In England, a ritual was common, during which itching had to be thrown into the fire. This provided good health and good luck, if this is not done, the dog's fangs will grow.

Many parents choose to keep their children's first teeth, believing it will make the little ones happy. If he is lost, then this portends a life away from home, the child will begin to live without parents early.

A milk tooth may also be presented to the tooth fairy, however, this is not a popular sign. The tooth fairy was invented by a Spanish writer.

Did a tooth fall out? - The kid should throw it with his right hand over his left shoulder. It is necessary to carry out the ceremony on the street. According to ancient signs, you can’t constantly lick your gums, otherwise nothing will grow in this place.

There are many superstitions associated with teeth that help to learn a little more about the future of your child. And also - turn the process of falling out of milk teeth into a fun game for children.

The signs associated with the appearance of the first tooth in a child allow the further course of events in the life of the child and in some way to predict them.

With the appearance of the first teeth in a baby, many signs are associated

With the birth of a baby and the appearance of the first tooth, many signs are associated:

  • The first tooth erupts from four months. If teeth appear earlier, then your family will soon be replenished. The upper first tooth is a sign that not even a year will pass as the baby's brother or sister is cut.
  • As for the abilities of the child, there are controversial points: teething sooner or later. According to some views, the first early tooth testifies to the talent of the child, others say the same about the late tooth.
  • When there was a large slit between the upper teeth in front, into which a coin was placed edgewise, this indicates the happiness of the child. Such a baby will be popular and successful with the opposite sex, and will become a lucky person.
  • Difficult-growing, problematic late teeth reflect a future moody and harmful character. Such a baby will become a depressive and dull person, with difficulty entering into communication.

It happens that after the birth of a baby, he already has several teeth. Nothing good has ever been associated with this state of affairs. Children were prophesied a short life or a penchant for dark forces.

They also referred to the first fangs, the eruption of which was before other teeth.

Teething is often associated with sleepless nights, so moms often look for ways to reduce the child's torment, and find explanations for certain moments in teething.

There is a tradition to give a baby a silver spoon for the first tooth.

Notable Traditions

With the beginning of the appearance of teeth, various beliefs or signs are associated. There is a tradition to give a baby a silver spoon for the first tooth. Her godparents bring her and knock on the first tooth. This spoon is a symbol of the end of breastfeeding and the beginning of complementary foods from a spoon. Belief promises that this step will make the child's life happy.

There are cases when such a gift was presented before teething. If the whole process is difficult for the child. The spoon was placed in the child's belly, or the child was allowed to suck on the wolf's fang.

Our ancestors thought that at the moment of teething, her children were protected from evil, they tried to be with them more. The kid needs his own amulet that protects him and helps him endure difficulties in the appearance of teeth.

Certain signs and beliefs are associated with the loss of the first milk tooth. Sooner or later, each person loses his first milk tooth, certain signs and customs are prescribed for this event. We remember from childhood different folk customs and signs. One of the beliefs was the tooth fairy, an image of Spanish folklore. According to beliefs about milk teeth. If your first one disappeared, and you did not give it to a mouse or a fairy, then you will soon begin to live separately from your parents, and away from your homeland.

When you give away the first dairy, perform a special ritual. If you give it to the mouse, then in a place where it is nowhere to be found, throw it with your left hand over your right shoulder, telling the mouse to take the old tooth and give it a new one. For a fairy, a tooth is placed under the pillow, where in the morning she will give money in return.

Parents have different attitudes to the appearance of the first teeth in a baby.

Someone is madly happy about this event, and someone is preparing in advance for sleepless nights and constant crying.

And here signs associated with the first teeth of the baby , little known. Although it is with their help that one can not only determine what awaits the baby and his family in the near future, but also find out in advance how his fate will turn out.

The first tooth in a child - signs for the whole family

One of the main signs associated with the baby’s teeth is that the longer and more painfully they climb, the more difficult the child’s character will be in the future, the more difficult it will be for others to communicate with him.

Second very interesting note, which, by the way, is almost always confirmed, is associated with the appearance of the first tooth at about 4-5 months. Considering that normally this happens by six months, this phenomenon is difficult not to notice.

It is believed that after such a surprise, parents will have another one - the appearance of a brother or sister within a year - a year and a half.

But to be upset that the teeth are delayed is not worth it. According to signs, the appearance of the first after 8 months indicates the presence of a special talent in the child, the brightness and originality of the personality.

Sometimes in a baby, the front teeth grow at a distance from each other. You don't have to be afraid of it. For many peoples of the world, this is a sign of a long and happy life.

It is extremely rare for babies to have teeth even before they are born. This is a real miracle. It is immediately clear that the child was born to fulfill a very important mission. But at the same time, you should not expect brilliant deeds from him.

His life goal can be fulfilled by him in middle years and later. The main thing is to understand that the child is special and to treat him correctly.

Silver spoon on the first tooth - a sign

Many signs have a completely scientific explanation, and the custom of giving a silver spoon for the first tooth is one of these.

Once upon a time, this was the privilege of the upper class. It is clear that the peasants could not afford such an expensive acquisition, but strong teeth also distinguished rulers from commoners.

Perhaps then this was due to issues of care, perhaps nutrition, but the sign of giving a silver spoon to the tooth dates back to those times.

Today, the sign has a scientific explanation. Babies do not brush their teeth, and so that delicate enamel does not deteriorate from food, it is better to use silver cutlery. They disinfect food and provide additional processing of the oral cavity.

Only the spoon should be actually silver, and not coated.

The change of milk teeth is a real event, both for the baby and his parents. The natural question in this case is the question of what to do with the fallen milk tooth. Let's look at the most popular options.

Lost milk tooth

What to do with the first baby tooth that falls out?

Not particularly superstitious parents keep them as a reminder of the child's childhood. To do this, you can sew a special bag or buy a beautiful box. In addition, sometimes parents make a special album for the baby, in which they describe the most significant moments in the life of the crumbs, including the change of teeth. At the same time, they can be invested in such an album and saved for many years.

If you are superstitious enough, you can prepare a whole ritual for your child, which is sure to be remembered by the child for life. Perhaps your son or daughter, as adults, will pass on the tradition to their children. So, below you will find the most popular and interesting signs that will help you make the right decision.

Can baby teeth be stored?

A few centuries ago, it was believed that storing such things was a bad omen. People believed that witches and sorcerers could secretly steal children's teeth for all sorts of conspiracies and rituals. Nomadic peoples, for example, buried children's teeth, believing that this would not only protect the child from damage, but also bring him happiness in later life. Today, the view on this issue has changed dramatically.

Lost milk teeth - a real storehouse of stem cells. Instead of throwing away such a treasure or aimlessly storing it in a box, they can be donated to a stem cell bank. What are they needed for? Everything is very simple! The fact is that the potential of such stem cells, which are much more powerful than cells taken from the umbilical cord, is several times higher. They can be used for a variety of conditions, ranging from retinal problems to complex fractures.

Thus, storing milk teeth can be of great benefit.. If you have the opportunity, why not take advantage of it? Despite the fact that the technology of collecting stem cells in this way is quite young, they predict a great future for it.


Tooth Fairy

Folk traditions and beliefs about milk teeth

Each country has its own signs and superstitions associated with the main event in the life of a child. Sometimes, the customs of peoples are radically different from each other. If your baby has such an important event, you have the right to act according to any traditions.

Traditions of America

In America, there is a belief about a mysterious fairy who flies in at night and takes milk teeth. For this, they are placed under the pillow, hoping to find a long-awaited coin in return. Perhaps this tradition can be attributed to the most famous and widespread.

British traditions

More complex traditions developed among the northern English. It was believed that a fallen tooth must be burned without fail. Firstly, this eliminated the possibility of using it to induce witchcraft and damage, and secondly, they believed that a stronger and healthier one would take the place of a burned tooth.

Another no less interesting tradition of the British associated with these things says that the milk tooth must be destroyed in any way so that not a single animal can swallow it. If this happens, then the child will have an ugly smile, or exactly the same fangs as the animal that swallowed it.

Traditions of the Slavic peoples

The Slavs had several interesting signs at once. Most often, the loss was given to the mouse, which was supposed to take it for itself, and bring a new one in its place. They also threw teeth behind the stove and asked the brownie to take them for themselves.

Gypsy traditions

If a child's tooth fell out, it was either buried, while uttering special conspiracies, or thrown to the moon. It was believed that in this way you can attract good luck, which will accompany the child all his life, protecting him from ill-wishers and various troubles.

Dental traditions in Asia

In order for a new tooth to grow in place of a fallen tooth, there was a funny belief in Asian countries. At the same time, the fallen upper teeth were thrown onto the roof of the house where the baby lives, the lower ones were hidden under the porch, and the parents repeated a special plot that was supposed to provide the baby with protection from the evil eye.

Folk signs about milk teeth

  • If a child had a gap between his front teeth, they said about him that he would grow up to be a real joker and merry fellow, as well as the soul of any company.
  • The kids weren't allowed to spit out the window. It was believed that in this case, the teeth can get very sick.
  • If a child was already born with teeth, he was prophesied a great future. Usually they said about boys that they would become great commanders and warriors, and girls would be able to marry extremely successfully.
  • When the baby's first tooth erupted, he was given a silver spoon, which later became his amulet for life.
  • If the baby had a gap through which a coin easily passed, it was believed that such a child would be a rich man or a successful entrepreneur. In addition, they believed that such a person would lead in all financial affairs.

Mouse, mouse, take the milk tooth, and bring me a new one, bone and strong

Why donate a tooth

The tradition of giving a tooth to spirits, a fairy or a mouse goes back to ancient times. Moreover, each tradition has its own special history. It is believed that by giving the loss, the baby will receive a gift. Thus, we can say that the task of such a ritual is to create a special mood in the child and please the baby.

Where did the tradition of giving a tooth to a fairy come from?

This tradition is associated with the name of the Spanish writer Luis Coloma, who lived in the 18th century. When the young king of Spain lost his first milk tooth at the age of 8, the writer was asked to compose an interesting fairy tale for the boy. It is not difficult to guess that the story was about a fairy who takes away milk teeth that have fallen out at night, if you put them under the pillow, and leaves a small gift instead of them in the morning.

Why give a tooth to a mouse

Our grandmothers also taught us, throwing out a milk tooth, to say: “Mouse, mouse, take the milk tooth, and bring me a new, bone and durable one.” With what this sign is connected, it is very difficult to say now. It is believed that the incisors of rodents are very strong, which is why, giving the loss to the mouse, the baby expects that he will grow the same strong teeth.

In addition, it was the mouse that was addressed, since small rodents were frequent guests in the villages. They lived behind the stoves and under the floorboards. That is why in the village the tooth was thrown into the stove or into the cellar so that the mouse could find the treasured gift for sure. It is interesting that the tradition of giving as a gift to a mouse existed not only in Russia, but also abroad. For example, in Germany, if a child had such a long-awaited event, mothers told the children to go to the darkest corner of the house and throw the loss there so that the mouse could find it and take it for itself.

It is important to understand that, despite traditions and signs, when changing teeth, it is necessary to consult a dentist who will help not only facilitate this process, but also tell you how to care for the wound in order to avoid the risk of infection.

The change of teeth is undoubtedly a significant and exciting event in the life of the whole family, indicating that your child is becoming an adult. At the same time, you should not suffer from superstitions and signs. Act in this situation as you see fit.

Despite the fact that we live in the age of digital technology, signs and customs about the first tooth that fell out have been preserved among the people, and they are followed to this day. Following them can significantly make life easier for the baby, save him from discomfort - do not neglect this. In addition, the performance of the original rite can be interesting for the child and make him believe in magic.

When do the first teeth start falling out?

Children's milk teeth are replaced by permanent incisors and molars. The first tooth falls out at 6-7 years old, but the timing may vary depending on the development of the jaw apparatus and the health of the child's oral organs (we recommend reading:). Milk units are formed in the womb, and permanent bite - after the birth of the baby. The timing of the change will depend on the growth rate of the rudiments of the teeth. The drop sequence is the same for everyone:

  • sixth teeth grow (they are not milk);
  • loosen the lower, and then the upper incisors;
  • the first and second premolars fall out;
  • fangs change;
  • wisdom teeth begin to grow at the age of 10-25, sometimes they remain impacted.

Children receive a permanent bite by the age of 14. Parents have enough time to decide what to do with their fallen teeth.

First actions when falling out

A baby whose milk elements begin to change does not need painkillers. Adults think that the procedure for changing units is extremely unpleasant for the child, but before the tooth begins to loosen, the roots dissolve in it.

The prolapse causes discomfort, but the teeth do not hurt. In place of the organ, a wound remains, which bleeds a little. Children easily tolerate a change in bite.

Tooth loss can be shocking to toddlers, so parents should explain to them that this is normal and new healthy teeth will soon grow that will last forever. At the age of 7-14 years, the oral cavity needs careful hygiene, and after removal, you must follow the rules:

  • immediately rinse your mouth with soda;
  • forbid the child to touch the wound, so as not to infect the infection;
  • when the meal is over, rinse the mouth with warm water.

To help with loosening, the child can be given hard fruits and vegetables: apples, pears, carrots. A small amount of dried fruit is also suitable.


In what cases is the help of a doctor required?

There are situations when problems arise with the change of organs in the mouth. In 80% of babies, it is found that the permanent molar erupts behind the milk tooth, and this forms an incorrect bite (see also:). A temporary formation that does not want to leave its place is removed surgically. This will avoid the crooked growth of the root element. Only a dentist can pull out a unit if its root has not resolved, but has grown deep into the gum. Self-removal can provoke severe inflammation of the mucosa.

In most cases, milk teeth fall out on their own (we recommend reading:). A child may need specialist help in several atypical situations:

  • the gum is swollen and very sore;
  • the milk element is broken;
  • the wound bleeds for a long time;
  • the child swallowed a tooth.

Sign at the appearance of the first tooth

Among the many customs, there is a beautiful tradition of giving a silver spoon “for the first tooth”. When he starts cutting, the godparents present a gift - a silver spoon, not forgetting to knock on her tooth. Previously, a tableware was a symbol of the introduction of complementary foods, and the baby will soon be able to eat not only milk. When the first incisor erupted contrary to the norm (on the upper gum), in the old days they said that the mother was expecting an early pregnancy.

Customs for the loss of the first milk teeth

Different countries had their own signs and ways of getting rid of the first fallen teeth. Most performed the ritual with all the dental units that left the baby at 6-14 years old:

  • in England, parents resorted to burning teeth to prevent magicians from using them for their witchcraft purposes;
  • in Russia, children turned to the brownie and the mouse, throwing a tooth behind their back and begging them to bring a “bone” tooth instead of a “burp” one;
  • romals made a conspiracy for wealth and a long life for the baby, throwing a tooth to the moon;
  • in Asian countries, the upper tooth that fell out was thrown onto the roof, and the lower one was placed under the floor.

Common beliefs


Signs came from antiquity, and almost all peoples have them. It is believed that if a tooth is lost or thrown away, then this promises the child an early departure from the parents' house or life outside the homeland. In England, they believed that a tooth that was not burnt prophesies the appearance of dog fangs in a baby. In Russia, a child had to “give a milk tooth to a mouse”, changing it to a new one. Moms believed that it also accelerates the growth of other indigenous elements.

In some European countries, it has long been believed that after death the soul cannot rest until it finds its milk teeth. Parents prudently burned them so that they would wait for the owner in the next world. This ritual also protected children from the evil eye and evil thoughts.

There are other folk beliefs regarding the teeth of both adults and children. Particularly noteworthy are the signs of wisdom teeth, which have always been attributed unique properties: if they exist, good luck will not leave a person, he will be rich and achieve heights in his career, love. The owner of a smile of 32 "pearls" could count on the help of his ancestors - they will never leave a relative, providing support in any business. Previously, the question of why wisdom teeth grow had a simple answer - a person uses 100% mental abilities. The presence of all four "wise" units was considered a sign of a strong spirit. Some defects also spoke volumes:

Where to put the tooth and can it be stored?

Many mothers are sentimental about such things, putting the first ultrasound picture, a tag from the hospital, a lock of hair into a box. If a tooth has left its owner, parents often do not know what to do with it. Just throwing it away is too easy and hard at the same time, because changing the first tooth is a whole event. Elements that have fallen out are most often placed under the pillow, and when the child falls asleep, they replace it with a small gift, candy. Although this is not very convenient, since the baby can push the tooth into the corner of the bed, and it will be difficult to find it.