Complete Tooth Fairy Statistics Guide & Trends Report 2026
See verified 2026 Tooth Fairy poll figures: $5.84 per tooth, $7.17 for a first tooth, and parent-reported traditions, with links to Delta Dental’s research.
Tooth Fairy statistics for 2026: what the survey says
The average Tooth Fairy cash gift is $5.84 per tooth in Delta Dental’s 2026 Original Tooth Fairy Poll. That figure describes the surveyed families; it is not a price parents need to match.
Cash gifts and first teeth
Delta Dental’s 2026 poll release reports these national results:
| Measure | 2026 result |
|---|---|
| Average cash gift per tooth | $5.84 |
| Average cash gift for a first tooth | $7.17 |
| Year-over-year change in the average gift | Up 17%, from $5.01 in 2025 |
| Children receiving a physical gift | 32%, compared with 19% in 2025 |
First teeth received a higher average gift than later teeth. Families also used gifts beyond cash. For more context, see our Tooth Fairy rates guide and ideas beyond coins.
What parents say about the tradition
In its August 2026 poll update, Delta Dental reports that 47% of parents say Tooth Fairy visits help maintain family traditions, and 39% say they create a memorable bonding moment. Another 35% say the tradition encourages better oral care.
These answers describe parents’ views. They do not demonstrate a medical benefit or measure how effective a letter, gift, or bedtime routine will be for a particular child.
How the poll was conducted
Delta Dental surveyed 1,000 parents of children ages 6–12 from January 5–15, 2026. This page summarizes that published research; Tooth Fairy Letter Bot did not conduct the survey. Results should not be treated as a census of every family or a prediction of what happens in an individual home.
Using the numbers at home
Choose an amount you can comfortably repeat. Decide whether the first tooth gets a different celebration, and keep a note of your plan so another caregiver can follow it. A small envelope, a familiar signature, or a short message can make the routine feel personal.
If you would rather leave a note than cash, start with our quick note templates. You can also use the free Tooth Fairy letter generator to create a message for your child.
A note on corrections
This guide was reviewed in September 2026. Earlier figures that could not be traced to the cited sources have been removed, including unsupported percentages about reminders, financial education, and letter effectiveness. The links above identify the sources for the numbers retained here.