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Heroes Among Us: Traveling Tooth Fairies

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 0:07 GMT by WMUR
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Heroes Among Us: New Hampshire’s Traveling Tooth Fairies Keep the Magic Alive

When a child’s first tooth falls out, parents in the United States often picture a tiny, silver‑glittering creature slipping into the bedroom to leave a coin or a sweet surprise. That whimsical tradition—known as the tooth fairy—has become a comforting rite of passage for children across the country. In New Hampshire, a unique group of volunteers has turned that childhood myth into a traveling reality, ensuring that the wonder of the tooth fairy reaches every corner of the state, from bustling city centers to the most isolated towns.

The Origin of a State‑Wide Dream

The New Hampshire traveling tooth fairies were born out of a mother’s wish to bring a bit of magic into her daughter’s life after the first tooth fell out on a cold winter night. Emily Carter, a resident of Laconia, had never seen a tooth fairy in her life. “I wanted to give my daughter the same sense of wonder I had as a child,” she recalled. Working with a local pediatric dentist, the Carters turned a small idea into a larger movement. By 2016, they had recruited a handful of volunteers, and the first tooth‑fairy bus rolled through the state’s scenic byways, handing out coins, candy, and a handful of tiny notes that read, “Thank you for your tooth! Your kindness keeps us smiling.”

How It Works

Each traveling tooth fairy team is composed of dedicated volunteers—often parents, teachers, and dental hygienists—who meet quarterly to prepare the “tooth‑fairy kits.” A kit typically contains a silver coin, a handful of candy, a child‑friendly tooth fairy storybook, and a small plastic tooth. When a child drops a tooth in the designated “tooth‑fairy box,” it is promptly collected by the volunteers, who then transport it to a local dental school for use in student training or to a charitable foundation that sends the tooth to a child in need of a prosthetic replacement.

The travel route is carefully planned to hit underserved areas that otherwise might never experience a tooth‑fairy visit. In some communities, the fairies set up a temporary booth at the local library or elementary school; in others, they pop up in hospital waiting rooms, bringing the tooth‑fairy experience to sick children and their families.

A unique feature of the program is the “tooth‑fairy bus,” a retro‑styled van adorned with fairy lights and cartoon teeth that becomes a moving stage for the tooth‑fairy act. The bus stops at schools, community centers, and even at local festivals—most notably the annual “Tooth Fairy Festival” in the town of Dover. At each stop, volunteers read aloud a short tooth‑fairy story, encourage children to practice good dental hygiene, and leave a small gift for each child who drops a tooth into the box.

Partnerships That Amplify Impact

The traveling tooth fairies collaborate with a number of state and national organizations to maximize their reach. Their primary partner is the New Hampshire Dental Association, which helps identify potential volunteer volunteers and provides dental health education materials. They also work closely with the Children’s Hospital of New Hampshire, bringing the tooth‑fairy experience to hospitalized children—an especially meaningful gesture for kids who are undergoing long‑term care.

Another key partner is the nonprofit “Smile Kids,” which collects the donated teeth and matches them with children who need prosthetic replacements. By integrating the traveling tooth fairies into a broader network of dental care providers, the program ensures that the magic of the tooth‑fairy tradition has a tangible, lasting benefit beyond a single night’s surprise.

The Voices of the Fairies

“The joy on a child’s face when they see the tooth fairy is priceless,” says Maria Gonzalez, a volunteer and a licensed dental hygienist. “It’s not just about the coin or the candy; it’s about telling kids that their small acts of care matter.”

Other volunteers have shared similar sentiment. One longtime volunteer, retired schoolteacher James O’Connor, says he “enjoys seeing the entire classroom come together for the tooth‑fairy event.” He points out that the program also encourages schoolchildren to discuss dental hygiene and the importance of brushing and flossing—a critical health lesson for young audiences.

Looking Ahead

While the traveling tooth fairies have already visited over 2,000 children since their inception, the group is looking to expand its reach. They are actively recruiting volunteers across the state, especially in rural towns where dental resources are limited. The organization has also announced a plan to partner with local radio stations for a “tooth‑fairy call‑in” segment, allowing children to share stories about their tooth‑fairy experiences and to ask questions about dental health.

The traveling tooth fairies also intend to launch an online platform where parents can register their children for upcoming events, view a calendar of stops, and submit photos of their own “tooth‑fairy moments.” The website will also host educational content on oral hygiene and tooth‑fairy lore.

How You Can Help

If you’re in New Hampshire and want to support or join the traveling tooth fairies, the organization welcomes volunteers of all ages. They also accept donations of dental hygiene supplies—such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss—which are distributed to children who may not have regular access to dental care. For more information on volunteer opportunities or to schedule a visit to your community, you can visit their official site at www.nhtravelingtoothfairies.org (link included in the original WMUR article).

The traveling tooth fairies embody the spirit of community and imagination that defines New Hampshire’s local heroes. In a state known for its rugged landscapes and tight‑knit communities, this group reminds us that even the simplest traditions—like the tooth fairy—can inspire kindness, curiosity, and a lifelong appreciation for dental health. By traveling across state lines on a van of bright lights and small coins, they prove that a little magic, when shared, can leave a lasting smile on generations of children.