Summary: Delta Dental’s 2024 Original Tooth Fairy Poll reveals that the Tooth Fairy tradition supports oral health habits, with 34% of parents saying it encourages good hygiene. The poll also notes a 6% decline in the value of a lost tooth, contrary to economic trends.

Key Takeaways:

  • Oral Health Support: 34% of parents believe the Tooth Fairy encourages good oral hygiene.
  • Participation: 78% of U.S. homes welcome the Tooth Fairy tradition.
  • Economic Contrast: Tooth value dropped 6% in 2024, diverging from the 20% rise in the S&P 500.

Delta Dental released additional findings from its 2024 Original Tooth Fairy Poll in recognition of National Tooth Fairy Day on Aug 22.

Now in its 26th year, the poll reveals the Tooth Fairy provides practical benefits for both children and adults. More than 1 in 3 parents (34%) say the Tooth Fairy visits are a positive way to instill good oral health habits, and nearly 1 in 5 (18%) claim the Tooth Fairy’s generosity is contingent on their child’s dental hygiene. Further, about 1 in 4 parents (22%) believe the tradition helps teach their children about the value of money.

Widespread Tooth Fairy Participation

In addition, the poll finds the Tooth Fairy is welcomed into approximately 8 in 10 (78%) U.S. homes, and more than 1 in 4 children (27%) go to bed early when they have a lost tooth in anticipation of the Tooth Fairy’s arrival.

“Not only is the Tooth Fairy a time-honored tradition in most homes across the country, but she is an ally for parents to help children develop proper oral hygiene habits,” said Gabriella Ferroni, senior director, strategic communications, Delta Dental Plans Association. “Delta Dental continues to track Tooth Fairy giving as a playful way to educate children about the importance of good oral health, which supports overall health.”

Fostering Celebration and Imagination

Additional findings from the 2024 poll include:

  • About half of parents (51%) feel the Tooth Fairy visits give their child something to be excited about and an opportunity to celebrate (47%).
  • More than 1 in 3 parents (34%) believe the Tooth Fairy visits help foster their child’s imagination.

Tooth Fairy Giving Trends

  • The average value of a single lost tooth during the past year declined by 6% from $6.23 to $5.84.
  • The Tooth Fairy is tightening her purse strings in celebration of the loss of a first tooth, with the average value dropping from $7.29 to $7.09 over the past year.

Economic Impact on Tooth Fairy Tradition

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, 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.