The Tooth Fairy Is On A Budget; Average Value Of A Lost Tooth Drops For Second Consecutive Year
(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.— Feb. 28, 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Northeast ($4.59): Dropped by 33% and fell below $5.00 per tooth for the first time since 2020.
- 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®.
About Delta Dental of Arizona
Delta Dental of Arizona (Delta Dental) is a health and wellness company providing affordable dental and vision benefits to individuals, families and businesses throughout the state. Building on its reputation as the state’s largest and most experienced dental insurance provider, Delta Dental’s mission is to create a path to better health and wellness. Since 2010, Delta Dental of Arizona, through its Foundation, has given over $20 million to support oral health education, disease prevention and food assistance programs for underserved and uninsured communities across the state. For more information about Delta Dental of Arizona, visit www.deltadentalaz.com.
