The average value of a single lost tooth declined by 14% during the past year, according to a new survey from the Delta Dental Plans Association.
The annual poll provides insight into dental hygiene habits and education for children. The poll was conducted between Jan. 10 and Jan. 23 among 1,000 parents of children ages 6 to 12.
Delta Dental said the poll results usually mirror the overall direction of the economy, including trends from Standard & Poor's 500 Index. However, the value of a lost tooth has done the opposite since 2023.
The average price for a single lost tooth declined from $6.23 in 2023 to $5.84 in 2024. This year, the price dropped to $5.01, marking one of the largest year-over-year declines since the poll's inception in 1998. The most recent decline took place while the S&P 500 experienced a 26% increase over the past year, according to a Feb. 25 news release.
The average price for a first lost tooth also declined. After dropping from $7.29 to $7.09 between 2023 and 2024, the price dropped again to $6.24 in 2025.
Despite these declines, the average cash gift left by the Tooth Fairy has increased by 285% since the poll's inception.