CHICAGO—It appears that the Tooth Fairy is immune to inflation—as new data show payouts for lost teeth have dropped 14% in the past year.
New findings from the Delta Dental 2025 Original Tooth Fairy Poll reveal 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, the company said.
While one in three 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 one in five 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 to add 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 is 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 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. 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, Delta Dental noted.
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.