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The Tooth Fairy's Generosity Soars: Average Gift Value Hits New Heights

A recent poll conducted by Delta Dental has revealed exciting news for children who have lost their teeth. The 2026 Original Tooth Fairy Poll® shows that the average payout for a lost tooth has climbed by 17%, from $5.01 to $5.84. This is not just a random happenstance; it represents the first increase in Tooth Fairy gifts since 2023 after two consecutive years of decline.

The significance of losing a first tooth is also recognized with a higher reward, now valued at approximately $7.17—a notable 23% increase from last year's average of $6.24. In fact, a surprising 38% of parents admit to giving additional rewards for their child's first tooth, showing that the Tooth Fairy is feeling particularly generous.

Furthermore, children are awakening to not only coins but also an array of non-monetary gifts. The trend has shifted, with nearly 32% of children receiving a tangible surprise from the Tooth Fairy this year, up sharply from the 19% in 2025. Gabriella Ferroni, Senior Director of Strategic Communications at Delta Dental, said, "After a couple of thrifty years, the Tooth Fairy decided it was time to give kids a well-deserved raise." This sentiment is echoed in how children can better appreciate oral health through this cherished tradition.

Over the past 28 years, Delta Dental has consistently tracked trends in Tooth Fairy giving, establishing a connection between these gifts and welfare in oral health education. Since the inception of the poll in 1998, the average financial gift has surged a staggering 349%, from just $1.30 to the current average of $5.84 per tooth. This reflects not only the fairy's benevolence but also changing societal norms around monetary gifts for children.

Regional Highlights

The data also shines a light on regional differences in Tooth Fairy generosity across the United States:

• - Northeast: Leading with an average value of $6.45, which represents a 41% jump from the previous year.
• - West: Staying steady in second place with $5.99, marking a 5% increase.
• - South: Although the region dropped in rank, averaging $5.89 (a 3% gain), it was once the leader in Tooth Fairy gifts.
• - Midwest: Made significant strides with a 52% year-over-year increase, raising the average gift to $5.27.

Interestingly, the trends in the value of lost teeth often reflect the broader economic climate, usually mirroring the direction of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index (SP 500). For the first time since 2022, these patterns seem to realign, with the average value of a lost tooth seeing a 17% rise in tandem with a 16% bounce in the SP 500.

About the Poll

Carried out from January 5 to January 15, 2026, the Original Tooth Fairy Poll® surveyed 1,000 parents of children aged 6 to 12, with a margin of error of +/- 3%. The data gathering aligns with a notable rise in the SP 500, which increased from 5,960 in January 2025 to 6,941 in January 2026.

This delightful tradition not only adds to the mystery and excitement of losing a tooth but also serves an educational purpose. Delta Dental aims to foster good oral health habits among children, supported by teachers in the guise of Tooth Fairy gifts.

By highlighting the socio-economic contexts behind these trends, the poll serves as a valuable lens through which we can observe shifts in children's welfare alongside broader market conditions. For more details on the survey and tips for ensuring children maintain a healthy smile as they grow, visit the Original Tooth Fairy Poll® website.

Delta Dental Plans Association, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, stands as the nation's largest dental benefits provider, championing the importance of oral health across its vast network of over 151,000 dentists nationwide. Their initiatives over the last 15 years reflect a commitment of $2.3 billion toward improving community health initiatives, making them a reliable partner for families focusing on dental well-being.