The Tooth Fairy Is On A Budget

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Feb 25, 2025) — Even the Tooth Fairy sticks to a budget.

New findings from the Delta Dental 2025 Original Tooth Fairy Poll® revealed the average value of a single lost tooth during the past year declined by 14% from $5.84 to $5.01. This marks one of the most significant year-over-year declines in Tooth Fairy giving since the poll’s inception.

While 1 in 3 parents (33%) say the Tooth Fairy spends more on their child’s first tooth, she also is pinching pennies in recognition of this milestone, with the average value dropping 12% from $7.09 to $6.24 over the past year.

However, her budget-conscious ways could be a good lesson for children, as nearly 1 in 5 parents (19%) say the Tooth Fairy helps teach their child about the value of money.

“While we don’t know if the Tooth Fairy is a ‘Swiftie,’ it certainly looks like she is in her thrifty era,” said Dr. Heather Schneider, Delta Dental of Arizona dental director. “And just like T Swift, no matter her era, the Tooth Fairy is a trusted ally in encouraging children to develop positive, proactive oral health habits, especially when it comes to brushing and flossing. Every lost tooth is a reminder that healthy smiles start early.”

Despite the decline in monetary giving, since the poll’s inception in 1998, the average cash gift left by the Tooth Fairy has increased 285% from $1.30 to $5.01 per tooth.

U.S. regional ranking for the average value of a lost tooth

1. South ($5.71): Overtook the West by a mere two cents to lead the U.S., and the only region to experience a year-over-year increase, up from $5.51 in 2024.
2. West ($5.69): Despite surpassing the national average, the region experienced a significant 33% drop for a lost tooth, returning close to its 2021 average of $5.54.
3. Northeast ($4.59): Dropped by 33% and fell below $5.00 per tooth for the first time since 2020.
4. Midwest ($3.46): Continued to significantly trail the national average for a second consecutive year at under $4.00 per tooth.

The value of a lost tooth and the economy

Historically, the Original Tooth Fairy Poll® has typically mirrored the economy's overall direction, tracking with the trends of Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500). However, since 2023, the value of a lost tooth has gone in a different direction. Over the past year, the average value of a single lost tooth decreased 14%, while the S&P 500 experienced a 26% increase during the same period.

About the Poll

The Original Tooth Fairy Poll® was conducted between Jan. 10, 2025 and Jan. 23, 2025, among 1,000 parents of children ages 6 to 12. The margin of error is +/- 3%. The January 2024 S&P 500 average was 4,746 and increased to an average of 5,960 for January 2025, consistent with the timing of the Original Tooth Fairy Poll®. For more information about the Delta Dental-sponsored survey and oral health tips for infants to pre-teen, visit the Original Tooth Fairy Poll®.