Money Smarts Blog
The Tooth Fairy Just Gave Everyone a Raise
Mar 4, 2026 || By The Tooth Fairy
If you’ve got a wiggly tooth in your house, you might want to check your cash stash. According to the 2026 Delta Dental Original Tooth Fairy Poll®, the average payout for a lost tooth jumped 17% this year, from $5.01 to $5.84 per tooth.
That first tooth? Even more valuable. Kids are cashing in an average of $7.17 for their debut dental drop. Talk about a milestone bonus. 🎉
A few fun highlights:
🦷 The Midwest saw a 52% jump in tooth value (we love to see it).
💰 38% of parents admit the first tooth earns extra.
🎁 Nearly 1 in 3 kids received a gift instead of cash this year.
Since 1998, Tooth Fairy payments have soared 349%. Inflation? The S&P 500? Apparently, she tracks that too.
Moral of the story: brushing and flossing is officially profitable.
Parents… what’s the going rate under your pillow these days?
The Tooth Fairy Just Gave Everyone a Raise
Mar 4, 2026 || By The Tooth Fairy
If you’ve got a wiggly tooth in your house, you might want to check your cash stash. According to the 2026 Delta Dental Original Tooth Fairy Poll®, the average payout for a lost tooth jumped 17% this year, from $5.01 to $5.84 per tooth.
That first tooth? Even more valuable. Kids are cashing in an average of $7.17 for their debut dental drop. Talk about a milestone bonus. 🎉
A few fun highlights:
🦷 The Midwest saw a 52% jump in tooth value (we love to see it).
💰 38% of parents admit the first tooth earns extra.
🎁 Nearly 1 in 3 kids received a gift instead of cash this year.
Since 1998, Tooth Fairy payments have soared 349%. Inflation? The S&P 500? Apparently, she tracks that too.
Moral of the story: brushing and flossing is officially profitable.
Parents… what’s the going rate under your pillow these days?
