Most of us are familiar with the myth of the Tooth Fairy, a magical being, who whisks away discarded baby teeth from under our pillows, and replaces them with money. If you think about it, it is a strange tradition. We encourage children to barter away their teeth for a cash reward, in a deal that takes place while they sleep. Very few of us, however, know how this practice originated.

Teeth grinding, also known as “bruxism,” is the gnashing and clenching of your teeth. According to the American Sleep Association, roughly 30 million Americans are affected by this condition annually.

It’s no secret that children with decaying teeth often suffer through debilitating pain and embarrassment. But did you know that crooked teeth are a significant cause of bullying?