Delta Dental Reports Tooth Fairy’s Generosity Takes a Hit

A new study indicates the slowing of U.S. inflation has trickled down to the Tooth Fairy, meaning those who lost a tooth last year were not rewarded quite as much as in recent years.

New findings just released from Delta Dental from its 2024 Original Tooth Fairy Poll® revealed the average value of a single lost tooth during the past year declined by 6% from $6.23 to $5.84. This represents the first year-over-year decline in Tooth Fairy giving in 5 years. This drop also came into play with those who lost a first tooth.

While the loss of a first tooth—often a memorable occurrence—typically commands a premium, the Delta Dental poll also found the Tooth Fairy is minding her pennies in celebration of this milestone with the average value dropping from $7.29 to $7.09 over the past year.

"Delta Dental has tracked U.S. Tooth Fairy giving trends for 26 years as a timely way to spotlight the importance of children's oral health," Gabriella Ferroni, senior director, strategic communications, Delta Dental Plans Association, says in a press release. "It is not a surprise to see she tightened her pursestrings following last year's record high. Despite the more economical reward, Tooth Fairy giving is a fun conversation starter to encourage good oral hygiene habits at an early age."

A Lost Tooth and the Economy

What gives? 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, in 2023, the value of a lost tooth went in a different direction, and it continues in 2024, the study reveals. The average value of a single lost tooth decreased 6% over the past year, while the S&P 500 experienced a 20% increase during the same period.

U.S. Regional Ranking for the Average Value of a LostTooth

The poll indicates that people who lost a tooth in the West were rewarded quite a bit more than other parts of the country. Midwesterners, on the other hand, had a little less to smile about after losing a tooth and getting a visit from the Tooth Fairy.

• West ($8.54): Surged ahead of the pack to lead U.S. regions with the highest monetary gift for a lost tooth, marking a 37% increase since last year's results.
• Northeast ($6.87): Increased 12% and surpassed the national average by more than $1.00.
• South ($5.51): Dropped below the national average, after leading last year with $6.59 for a lost tooth.
• Midwest ($3.63): Significantly trailed the national average with a 36%drop, returning close to its 2021 average of $3.66.

About the Poll

The Original Tooth Fairy Poll® was conducted between Jan. 3, 2024, and Jan. 17, 2024, among 1,000 parents of children ages 6 to 12. The margin of error is+/-3%.

The January 2023 S&P 500 average was 3,942 and increased to an average of 4,746 for January 2024, consistent with the timing of the Original Tooth Fairy Poll®.

For additional information about the Delta Dental-sponsored survey and oral health tips for infants to pre-teen, visit the OriginalToothFairyPoll®.

Delta Dental Plans Association

Based in Chicago, Illinois, Delta Dental Plans Association is the not-for-profit national association of the 39 independent Delta Dental companies. Through these companies, Delta Dental is the nation's largest dental benefits provider, covering more than 89 million Americans and offering the country's largest dental network with approximately 152,000 participating dentists.