A Little Tooth, a Bigger Reward
Lost teeth are paying off more than ever, according to Delta Dental Plans Association.
Phot via Getty Images / ArtMarie
The Tooth Fairy has been extra generous lately. According to the Delta Dental 2026 Tooth Fairy Poll, the average value of a single lost tooth increased by 17 percent, jumping from $5.01 to $5.84 during the past year. The very first tooth lost is even more rewarded, as it’s worth 23 percent more than the average lost tooth. A first tooth is currently valued at $7.17 on average, compared to last year’s $6.24. More than one in three parents — about 38 percent — state the Tooth Fairy leaves a little extra for their child’s first tooth compared with future teeth. More kids are waking up to nonmonetary gifts as well, with about 32 percent receiving a physical gift from the Tooth Fairy this year, up from 19 percent in 2025. Since the poll began in 1998, the average Tooth Fairy payout has climbed 349 percent, rising from $1.30 to $5.84 per tooth and reflecting how the cherished ritual continues to evolve. Whether it’s a few dollars or a small surprise tucked under the pillow, the Tooth Fairy tradition continues to turn a childhood milestone into a memorable moment.
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