Rising inflation seems to have boosted the value of a single lost tooth in 2023, according to Delta Dental’s latest Tooth Fairy Poll.

According to new Delta Dental findings from its 2023 Original Tooth Fairy Poll, the average value of a single lost tooth during the past year increased 16% from $5.36 to $6.23.

The new value not only has children beaming with gap-toothed smiles but also represents a record high in the 25-year history of the poll.

Since the poll’s inception, the average cash gift left by the Tooth Fairy has surged 379% from $1.30 to $6.23 per tooth. At this rate, in 2048, the Tooth Fairy would be leaving a whopping $30 under the pillow for a single tooth.

“Delta Dental has been analyzing the Tooth Fairy’s US annual giving trends for a quarter century, highlighting the role of good oral health care habits for children,” said Gabriella Ferroni, Senior Director, Strategic Communications, Delta Dental Plans Association. “We know this time-honored tradition will continue to bring great joy to homes across the country, and we look forward to seeing how the Tooth Fairy’s giving changes over the next 25 years.”

Historically, the Original Tooth Fairy Poll has mirrored the economy’s overall direction, tracking with the trends of the S&P 500. However, while the average value of a single lost tooth increased by 16% over the past year, the S&P 500 experienced an 11% decline during the same period.

US regional rankings for the average value of a lost tooth:

  • South ($6.59): Led US regions with the highest monetary gift for a lost tooth, marking a 14% increase since last year’s results.
  • West ($6.25): Increased 53%, despite being only two cents higher than the national average.
  • Northeast ($6.14): Dropped below the national average after leading last year with $7.36 for a lost tooth.
  • Midwest ($5.63): While still trailing the national average, it went up $1.36 (32%).

The Original Tooth Fairy Poll was conducted between Jan 6 and 19, 2023, among 1,000 parents of children ages 6 to 12.

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