OAK BROOK, Ill.–It turns out there’s one place where inflation isn’t being felt—how much the Tooth Fairy is paying children for a lost tooth.
Delta Dental is reporting its 2024 Original Tooth Fairy Poll has found 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, the company said.
Moreover, while the loss of a first tooth typically commands a premium, the poll also found the Tooth Fairy is minding her pennies in celebration of the milestone, as well, with the average value dropping from $7.29 to $7.09 over the past year.
According to Delta Dental, historically, the Original Tooth Fairy Poll has typically mirrored the economy's overall direction, tracking with the trends of 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, the company reported.
Regional Differences
Delta Dental said the survey shows the Tooth Fairy adjusts pricing according to U.S. region, finding:
- West ($8.54): The West 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. 3-17, 2024 among 1,000 parents of children ages 6 to 12.
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