The Tooth Fairy has a name

August 4, 2009 | My Jottings

Some of my grandchildren are at the age where they’ve been losing a lot of teeth lately. It seems like every time I see the older ones, there are new gummy gaps and adorable lisps and over-sized chiclet teeth making gradual appearances.

They’re always anxious to tell me what the Tooth Fairy has left under their pillows. One morning Clara found a pack of sugarless gum and $1.00. That seemed like a normal fairy leaving. The next lost tooth was replaced with a certificate redeemable for a treat at the store, and $2.00. Not long after that the Tooth Fairy left a coupon good for an outing (like bowling or a trip for ice cream), some candy and $2.00. The most recent under-the-pillow discovery was a three dollar bill (do these exist?), some caramels, a redeemable coupon for a fun excursion, and a toothbrush and mouthwash! Apparently the Tooth Fairy is unaware that the economy has tanked and that spending is being curbed in all sectors.

The most interesting thing about the Tooth Fairy’s visits are the notes she leaves the children. Did the Tooth Fairy leave you notes when you were little? I didn’t think so. I didn’t get any notes either.

The notes she leaves before she flies back to Dentaland are written in very swirly and whimsical-looking handwriting. She writes only a few words, but the kids are so excited by these communications and they like to call me up to tell me about them.

Early on, Clara casually told me that the Tooth Fairy’s name happened to be “Flora.” Flora? I thought. I guessed perhaps the name was reminiscent of Disney’s three little fairies in Sleeping Beauty, as in Flora, Fauna and Merryweather.

But not quite. Once I finally saw one of the Tooth Fairy’s notes, I understood, and smiled at the wordplay that goes way over the children’s heads.

Lean in closely and I’ll whisper a little secret to you. You have probably never known this, and this information is something you might want to keep close to your vest….

The Tooth Fairy’s name is Fluora.

Do you get it? I’m sure you do. 🙂

This is what happens when children are born to two very creative parents who really need outlets for their creativity.