Tooth Fairy Still Generous in Arkansas; Bucking National Trend

Annual Poll in Celebration of Tooth Fairy Day on Feb. 28 Reveals Regional Surprises

SHERWOOD, ARK—Good news for Arkansas kids: Losing a tooth is still profitable! While the Tooth Fairy has been tightening her purse strings across the country, the South remains an exception.

According to the Delta Dental 2025 Original Tooth Fairy Poll®, the region now leads the nation with an average cash gift of $5.71 per tooth, up from $5.51 in 2024—the only area to see an increase this year.

Meanwhile, the national average for a lost tooth dropped by 14% from $5.84 to $5.01, marking one of the most significant declines in the poll’s 27-year history. Even for a child’s first lost tooth—often a more celebrated milestone—the Tooth Fairy has been cutting back, with the average gift falling 12% from $7.09 to $6.24.

“The annual Tooth Fairy Poll adds a bit of fun to the serious business of children’s oral health,” said Dave Hawsey, vice president of marketing at Delta Dental of Arkansas. “The Tooth Fairy is a trusted ally in encouraging kids to build lifelong healthy habits, including daily brushing and flossing. Every lost tooth is a reminder that healthy smiles start in early childhood.”

Regional Tooth Fairy Payouts

1. South ($5.71): The only region to see an increase in the past year, now leading the nation.
2. West ($5.69): Despite staying above the national average, the region saw a 33% drop from last year.
3. Northeast ($4.59): Fell below $5.00 per tooth for the first time since 2020, dropping 33%.
4. Midwest ($3.46): Continues to lag behind other regions, staying under $4.00 per tooth.

The Original Tooth Fairy Poll® and the Economy

The Original Tooth Fairy Poll® has historically mirrored economic trends, often aligning with the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500). However, the past year has bucked that pattern—the average value of a lost tooth dropped 14% compared to 2023, while the S&P 500 climbed 26% over the same period.

Even with these fluctuations, the Tooth Fairy remains a cherished tradition, reinforcing the importance of early oral health habits while sprinkling a little magic under pillows across the country.

About the Poll

The Original Tooth Fairy Poll® was conducted between Jan. 10, 2025, and Jan. 23, 2025, among 1,000 parents of children ages 6 to 12. The margin of error is +/- 3%.

The January 2024 S&P 500 average was 4,746 and increased to an average of 5,960 for January 2025, consistent with the timing of the Original Tooth Fairy Poll®.

For more information about the Delta Dental-sponsored survey and oral health tips for infants to pre-teens, visit the Original Tooth Fairy Poll®.

About Delta Dental of Arkansas

Delta Dental of Arkansas is the largest dental benefits provider in the state, helping more than 500,000 Arkansans keep their smiles healthy through commercial group and individual coverage. As a not-for-profit company, Delta Dental is committed to improving the oral health of Arkansans through the philanthropic efforts of its foundation, which donated almost $4 million to support oral health education initiatives in the last three years. More information is available at https://www.deltadentalar.com/.

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Media Contact:

Claudia Utley
Sr. Public Relations Manager
(c) 501-442-6951
cutley@deltadentalar.com