The tooth fairy is back in growth mode, with payouts up 17%
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The tooth fairy is brushing off two years of declines, paying an average of $5.84 per tooth — up 17% from last year, according to Delta Dental's 2026 Original Tooth Fairy Poll.
Why it matters: For nearly three decades, tooth fairy payouts have doubled as a tiny economic indicator — and this year's 17% jump mirrors the broader market's gains, signaling renewed spending power under the pillow.
The big picture: The average payout rose from $5.01 in 2025, according to the survey of 1,000 parents of children ages 6 to 12.
- That ends a two-year slide after a record $6.23 peak in 2023.
Tooth fairy's 2026 rate by region
By the numbers: The Northeast led the nation at $6.45 per tooth, posting a 41% year-over-year jump.
- The West followed at $5.99, up 5%.
- The South slipped from last year's top spot but still averaged $5.89, a 3% increase.
- The Midwest made the biggest leap — surging 52% to $5.27 — though it remains below the national average.
The intrigue: A first lost tooth now fetches $7.17 on average — about 23% more than the typical tooth, and up from $6.24 in 2025. (38% of parents say the first one comes with a bonus.)
- Nearly 1 in 3 kids (32%) received a non-cash gift this year, up from 19% last year.
Zoom out: Since the poll began in 1998, the average payout has soared 349% — from $1.30 to $5.84 — reflecting both inflation and evolving parent spending habits.
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