The 2026 Original Tooth Fairy Poll, conducted by Delta Dental, shows the average cash gift for a single tooth has climbed 17%, reaching $5.84. This marks a rebound in the trend, as the value of lost teeth has realigned with the S&P 500 for the first time since 2022. Beyond the financial uptick, the tradition continues to serve as a catalyst for oral health, with 35% of parents noting that the ritual encourages their children to maintain better brushing habits.

Gabriella Ferroni, Senior Director of Strategic Communications at Delta Dental, emphasizes that these milestones offer a practical way to discuss hygiene with younger children. The data indicates that 32% of kids also received physical gifts this year, nearly doubling from 2025. With the average gift value surging 349% since the poll began in 1998, the Tooth Fairy remains a persistent economic indicator, providing a unique lens into family spending and generational traditions.