Tooth Fairy Giving Reaches Record High

Posted on August 22, 2023 in Children’s Oral Health

Children have something to smile about as the Tooth Fairy giving reaches a record high. The average value of a single lost tooth during the past year increased 16% from $5.36 to $6.23 per tooth.

In recognition of National Tooth Fairy Day on August 22, the following are findings from Delta Dental's 2023 Original Tooth Fairy Poll®. The poll found that the average value of a first tooth is $7.29, which is just a dollar more than a typical tooth receives. One third (33%) of parents say the Tooth Fairy spends more on their child's first tooth than any future teeth.

No matter the dollar amount or gift, a visit from the Tooth Fairy is fun for the whole family. More than 1 in 4 children (27%) go to bed early in anticipation of the Tooth Fairy’s arrival. Celebrating a lost tooth is the perfect time for parents to talk to their children about the importance of a healthy smile. You can use the Tooth Fairy’s visit to reinforce good oral health habits like brushing twice a day, flossing each day, choosing smile-friendly foods and beverages, and visiting the dentist regularly.

The Tooth Fairy is welcomed in an overwhelming majority (81%) of U.S. homes. Children and parents alike experience the joy of the Tooth Fairy, and 36% of parents report that the Tooth Fairy has instilled good oral health habits in their children.

Delta Dental has been analyzing the Tooth Fairy’s U.S. annual giving trends since 1998. Since the poll’s inception, the average cash gift left by the Tooth Fairy has surged 379% from $1.30 to $6.23 per tooth. At this rate, in 2048, the Tooth Fairy would be leaving a whopping $30 under the pillow for a single tooth.

For more information about the Original Tooth Fairy Poll and ways to make your child’s Tooth Fairy experience special, visit OriginalToothFairyPoll.com. 

For additional tips on protecting your oral health, visit deltadentalil.com/oral-health.

About the survey

The Original Tooth Fairy Poll® was conducted between Jan. 6, 2023 and Jan. 19, 2023, among 1,000 parents of children ages 6 to 12. The margin of error is +/- 3%.

The January 2022 S&P 500 average was 4,410 and decreased to an average of 3,942 for January 2023