Once in our lives, we believed in the tooth fairy. I guess it’s our parents’ way of making us not feel bad about losing a tooth or taking our minds off the pain. Because when we think about the tooth fairy, we think that we’re going to get something out of our lost tooth.
But what if you lose the tooth? Ah… the great heartbreak for every child, right? Your tooth comes off, and you lose it. The tooth fairy has nothing to take and give in return. Or is that really the case?
The Tooth Fairy
The American Dental Association played along with this mythical story of tooth fairies. They made quick FAQs about their ADA Tooth Fairy to quench the children’s curiosity.
The Tooth Fairy, with the aid of her assistants, Dr. Floss and Sparkle, would eventually find a lost tooth. This also doesn’t mean that when a child loses their tooth, they won’t get anything. Her condition is that the child was good at taking care of their teeth – just like Santa’s naughty or nice list!
And while this is all fictitious, the ADA would not want to dispel the mystery to encourage kids to take good care of their teeth.
Losing her Tooth on Flight
Six-year-old Lena Larmon was on a United Airlines flight with her mother. They were traveling from Norway to South Carolina and were excited to get out of it after a 36-hour delay.
However, Lena realized she had lost her too on the plane while she and her mom were about to get their luggage. They tried to return to the plane, but they weren’t allowed anymore because security had closed.
Her mom, Laura, told Good Morning America that her daughter got emotional when she realized she had lost her tooth on the plane. She started crying, knowing that her tooth was lost forever.
A Promissory Note
The little girl’s sadness (especially her reason) caught the attention of United Airlines Captain Josh Duchow. Seeing the kid in distress prompted him to do something for Lena, who was worried that the tooth fairy wouldn’t give her anything since she had lost her tooth.
The kind captain wrote an explanation letter – or a promissory note – hoping that the Tooth Fairy would accept it as a “receipt” or record that Lena indeed lost her tooth. The note reads:
“Dear Tooth Fairy, Lena had a tooth fall out on her flight to Greenville. Please take this note in place of her tooth.” Signed by Captain Josh.
A Simple Act of Kindness
It was such a simple act of kindness but was very much appreciated, nonetheless. This is one best example that adults should not dim the happiness of kids like Lena, even if we don’t believe in these myths anymore.
Lena said she was thankful for Captain Josh because he stepped in and saved the day. She may not be able to get her tooth back for the Tooth Fairy, but we’re sure the mythical fairy would understand and still give Lena something in return. *wink wink*
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