Seattle dentist has played role of the tooth fairy for years

• Over the years, Merchant estimates she's since responded to about 6,000 emails intended for the tooth fairy.

How it works: Sometimes, she reassures children that she can find their lost teeth; other times, she promises she'll make it to their house soon, the NYT reports.

Flashback: In 2004, Merchant's boyfriend — now husband — set up the "toothfairy" email account to help her organize dental school applications and stay in touch with family.

• About three years later, Merchant — whose nickname was "the Tooth Fairy" — received her first email directed to the actual tooth fairy, according to the Times.

What they're saying: "Dr. Merchant realized she was hearing from a frantic parent who had forgotten to tuck a few bills under a child's pillow and needed to appease that child. She decided to help out," the newspaper writes.

The fine print: Merchant asked the Times not to publish her full "toothfairy" email address, to avoid getting inundated with so many emails she can't respond to them all.

• In her responses, she typically reminds kids to brush and floss their new teeth, while wishing them, "Happy growing up!"