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