Bad news for kids: The Tooth Fairy's payout per tooth has dropped this year across the U.S.
The Tooth Fairy's price per tooth has dropped nationwide, according to a poll. Credit: Getty Images / iStockphoto / Cameravit
Even kids can experience an economic downturn. According to the annual Original Tooth Fairy Poll taken by Delta Dental, the Tooth Fairy’s average cash gift declined to $3.70 this year, down an average of 43 cents per tooth.
A first lost tooth continues to earn more than subsequent teeth, with an average payout of $4.96.
Delta Dental has been tracking the Tooth Fairy's U.S. annual giving trends for more than two decades. The Northeast regional average is $3.75, closely aligned with the national average. The West continues to lead the U.S. regions, with an average payout of $4.19.
For more information about the poll along with oral health tips for infants to preteens, visit theoriginaltoothfairypoll.com.
Beth Whitehouse writes about families, parenting and great things to do with the kids on Long Island. She’s been a Newsday editor and shared a 1997 Newsday staff Pulitzer Prize for coverage of the crash of TWA Flight 800.
