Natural State News

An annual Original Tooth Fairy Poll shows that the average cash gift per tooth lost from the Tooth Fairy has reached a 23-year historical high with $4.70 per tooth.

A Delta Dental of Arkansas press release said in Arkansas, and across the South, the Tooth Fairy pays out about $4.45 on average. 

"Baby teeth fetch the least in the Midwest ($3.66), and the most in the North ($5.72) and the West ($5.54)," the release said. 

This poll in part is a good way for parents to encourage children to have good dental hygiene, Claudia Utley, public relations and social media strategist at Delta Dental of Arkansas, told the Natural State News.

"The Original Tooth Fairy Poll® was launched in 1998 by the Delta Dental Plans Association (of which Delta Dental of Arkansas is a member) as a fun opportunity for parents to educate their children about good dental habits, starting at an early age," Utley said. 

The previous record of the highest payout per tooth cost was in 2017 with $4.66, Utley said. 

"In 2020, the Tooth Fairy’s payout for a lost tooth reached an all-time high in its 23-year history. The national average was $4.70. That’s four cents higher than the previous record of $4.66 in 2017," Utley told Natural State News. "The current value reflects an increase of 17% compared to the previous year. Its increase mirrors the growth of the S+P 500, which experienced a 19% rise in 2020. For 16 of the past 19 years, the trend in average Tooth Fairy giving has tracked with the movement of the S&P 500."

According to Utley, the Tooth Fairy pays more for more well taken care of teeth. 

"The Tooth Fairy trades lost teeth for money gifts and other treasures, and she’s been said to pay a premium for shiny, healthy teeth, rather than teeth with plaque or cavities. So children have that incentive to take good care of their teeth and gums. In addition, Delta Dental of Arkansas, www.deltadentalar.com, publishes on its website and social media pages Tooth Fairy-themed resources and activities, e.g., short, educational videos, craft projects, coloring books and more, to promote good oral health habits, starting with baby teeth," Utley said. 

Interestingly enough, Utley said that this index has actually been a "good barometer" overall of the economy. 

"In addition, it turned out that the Tooth Fairy IndexTM (TFI) is a good barometer of the overall US economy, not unlike Punxsutawney Phil’s Groundhog Day as a weather prognosticator. In fact, for 16 of the past 19 years, the trend in average giving has tracked with the movement of the S&P 500," Utley said. 

Utley said it is important for parents, and children to understand how necessary good dental hygiene is. 

"Good oral health is closely linked to good overall health. Taking care of our teeth and our overall health begins in early childhood. Although baby teeth fall out, they are crucial to the healthy development of the mouth so children learn how to smile, eat and speak properly," Utley said. "Unfortunately, cavities is the No. 1, chronic childhood disease, and yet it’s easily preventable by daily flossing and brushing, eating a healthy diet, avoiding sugary drinks and foods, and seeing a dentist regularly. The Tooth Fairy helps bring that message into every home so that all Arkansans can achieve a healthy smile."