The Tooth Fairy is tightening the purse strings. See the latest average 'gift' per tooth.

Maintaining a household budget can help a family manage its finances. Interestingly, even the Tooth Fairy adheres to a budget.

According to the latest findings from the Delta Dental 2025 Original Tooth Fairy Poll®, the average monetary gift left for a lost tooth has decreased by 14% over the past year, dropping from $5.84 to $5.01. This marks one of the most significant decreases in Tooth Fairy contributions since the poll began in 1998.

The poll surveyed 1,000 parents with children ages 6 to 12, conducted Jan. 10 to 23.

For those who remember receiving a quarter or even a dollar from the Tooth Fairy as a child for losing a tooth, it is interesting to note that since 1998, the average amount given by the Tooth Fairy has increased by 285%. It has risen from $1.30 to $5.01 per tooth.

This year, it is not a reflection of the economy

In the past, Delta Dental's Tooth Fairy Poll has mirrored the direction of the economy, but the past year given the S&P 500 saw a 26% increase while the average value of a single lost tooth decreased 14%.

Where does the Tooth Fairy pay the most?

The South was the only region to experience a year-over-year increase, up from $5.51 in 2024 to $5.71. The West, Northeast and Midwest saw a drop but the midwest continued to significantly trail the national average for a second consecutive year at under $4.00 per tooth.

How much does the Tooth Fairy give for a child's first tooth?

History of the Tooth Fairy

In the “Eddas,” the earliest writings of Norse traditions, a custom called “tand-fe” (or “tooth fee”) is mentioned, where adults would pay children a small fee for losing their first tooth. Children's teeth were considered valuable and lucky, with some warriors making necklaces from them for protection in battle.

The first published mention of the “Tooth Fairy” was found in an article in the Chicago Tribune, dating back to 1908. The section read:

Tooth Fairy. Many a refractory child will allow a loose tooth to be removed if he knows about the Tooth Fairy. If he takes his little tooth and puts it under the pillow when he goes to bed the Tooth Fairy will come in the night and take it away, and in its place will leave some little gift. It is a nice plan for mothers to visit the 5-cent counter and lay in a supply of articles to be used on such occasions. ‒ Lillian Brown, Tooth Fairy, Chicago Daily Tribune

The tooth fairy myth emerged in popular culture over the years, becoming a quintessential part of growing up.

Source: Paste BN Network reporting and research; Delta Dental