The Tooth Fairy is loosening the purse strings following a couple of thrifty years.
New findings from the Delta Dental 2026 Original Tooth Fairy Poll revealed the average value of a single lost tooth increased 17% from $5.01 to $5.84.
This marks the first year-over-year increase in Tooth Fairy giving since 2023, ending a two-year decline.
The loss of a first tooth is also worth more, worth 23% more than the average lost tooth. On average, a first tooth is now valued at $7.17, up from $6.24 in 2025. More than one in three parents (38%) say the Tooth Fairy leaves extra for their child’s first tooth compared with future teeth.
More kids are waking up to gifts beyond cash. Nearly one in three children (32%) received a physical gift this year, up from 19% in 2025.
“After a couple of thrifty years, the Tooth Fairy decided it was time to give kids a well-deserved raise,” said Gabriella Ferroni, Senior Director, Strategic Communications, Delta Dental Plans Association.
The Northeast led the pack with an average value of $6.45 per tooth, a 41% year-over-year jump. The West held steady in second place at $5.99, up 5% from last year. The South dropped from the top spot at $5.89 despite a 3% increase in giving. The Midwest made a big leap at $5.27 with a 52% year-over-year gain.
For the first time since 2022, the poll has realigned with market trends. Over the past year, the average value of a single lost tooth increased by 17%, in line with a similar 16% increase in the S&P 500 during the same period.
Since the poll’s inception in 1998, the average cash gift left by the Tooth Fairy has surged 349% from $1.30 to $5.84 per tooth.
The Original Tooth Fairy Poll was conducted January 5 – 15, 2026, among 1,000 parents of children ages 6 to 12.
