Tooth Fairy giving drops for first time in 5 years, according to Delta Dental poll
Northeast region has the most expensive Tooth Fairy rate at $6.87 per tooth
BOSTON — Feb. 22, 2024 — The slowing of U.S. inflation has trickled down to the Tooth Fairy, but the Northeast has become the most expensive region for Tooth Fairy payments.
New Delta Dental findings 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 five years. However, in the Northeast, giving increased 12% and surpassed the national average by more than $1.00, at $6.87 per tooth.
“Tooth Fairy giving is a fun conversation starter to reinforce good oral hygiene habits with kids, especially as February marks Children’s Dental Health Month,” said Dr. Linda Vidone, Vice President of Clinical Management at Delta Dental of Massachusetts. “Regular dental visits and preventive care are essential to a child’s oral and overall health. From their first visit from the Tooth Fairy to the last, practicing good dental hygiene from an early age is a smart investment that will lead to a lifetime of healthy smiles.”
Delta Dental of Massachusetts also offers tips for taking care of your teeth at any life stage.
The worth 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, in 2023, the value of a lost tooth went in a different direction, and it continues in 2024. 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 lost tooth
- 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 more information about the Delta Dental-sponsored survey and oral health tips for infants to pre-teen, visit the Original Tooth Fairy Poll®.
Delta Dental of Massachusetts (www.deltadentalma.com), the largest provider of dental benefits in the state, is a leader in innovative programs that improve the overall health of members, prevent oral disease and reduce health care costs for employers, groups and individuals. Headquartered in Charlestown, MA, Delta Dental of Massachusetts, a member of the Delta Dental Plans Association (
www.deltadental.com), covers more than 2 million people. Follow us on Twitter (
@DeltaDentalofMA), Facebook (
www.facebook.com/DeltaDentalMA), and Instagram (
@deltadentalofma).
About 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. Over the last decade, Delta Dental companies and their
foundations invested over $1.9 billion to improve the oral and overall health of our communities.
Visit deltadental.com for information on individual dental insurance plans and group dental insurance plans.