The Tooth Fairy’s generosity has seen better days, and it seems even she is sticking to a budget this year. According to the latest Delta Dental 2025 Original Tooth Fairy Poll®, the average value of a single lost tooth has dropped by 14%, going from $5.84 to $5.01. This decline marks one of the most significant year-over-year drops since the poll began.
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.
“For 27 years, Delta Dental has closely tracked the Tooth Fairy’s giving habits, adding a sprinkle of fun to children’s oral health care,” said Gabriella Ferroni, Senior Director, Strategic Communications, Delta Dental Plans Association. “While she may be in her thrifty era, the Tooth Fairy remains a trusted ally in encouraging children to develop prudent, lifelong oral hygiene habits, including proper brushing and flossing. Every lost tooth is a reminder that healthy smiles start early.”
Despite the recent decline in monetary gifts, the average cash gift left by the Tooth Fairy has increased by 285% since the poll’s inception in 1998, starting from $1.30 and reaching $5.01 per tooth.
U.S. Regional Rankings for the Average Value of a Lost Tooth
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South ($5.71): Leading the U.S., the South overtook the West by a mere two cents and was the only region to see a year-over-year increase, up from $5.51 in 2024.
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West ($5.69): Despite surpassing the national average, the West saw a significant 33% drop, returning close to its 2021 average of $5.54.
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Northeast ($4.59): Dropped by 33%, falling below $5.00 per tooth for the first time since 2020.
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Midwest ($3.46): Continued to significantly trail the national average for the second consecutive year, remaining under $4.00 per tooth.
The Value of a Lost Tooth and the Economy
Historically, the Original Tooth Fairy Poll® has mirrored the economy's overall direction, tracking trends with the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500). However, since 2023, the value of a lost tooth has diverged from the S&P 500’s performance. Over the past year, the average value of a single lost tooth decreased by 14%, while the S&P 500 saw a 26% increase during the same period.
About the poll
The Original Tooth Fairy Poll® was conducted between January 10, 2025, and January 23, 2025, among 1,000 parents of children ages 6 to 12. The margin of error is +/- 3%.
For more details about the Delta Dental-sponsored survey and oral health tips for children, visit the Original Tooth Fairy Poll®.