The Tooth Fairy – Financial Guru, Famed Fairy or Oral Health Influencer?

According to Delta Dental’s Original Tooth Fairy Poll, the going rate for your child’s lost tooth has declined in the past year. Based on their latest yearly survey, the average dollar amount that children received for a tooth is $3.70, down from $4.13 in 2018. (Remember when you thought a $1.00 per tooth was awesome?!?) Interestingly enough, it appears that the tooth fairy’s value on teeth coincides with the general movement of the economy. In 14 of the past 17 years, the tooth fairy’s prices have tracked with the movement of Standard and Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500). It appears our famed Tooth Fairy may actually be a wise investor!

Economics aside, the Delta Dental poll also served to get valuable feedback on the Tooth Fairy and the role she plays in your child’s oral health. Of course, most kids only think of the Tooth Fairy as a chance to get some quick cash for a tooth they no longer need. But, it turns out that she may have some substantial influence on your child’s oral health habits. According to the answers given by parents in the survey, the Tooth Fairy is providing much more than a little spending money. Responses in the poll credited the Tooth Fairy with influencing these areas:

·        Joy: The Tooth Fairy gives kids something to be excited about, according to more than half of parents (56 percent).
 

·        Bedtime: Children go to bed early when leaving out a tooth say 30 percent of parents.
 

·        Savers: Children choose to save their Tooth Fairy earnings say nearly half of parents (48 percent).
 

·        Oral health: More than one-third of parents (34 percent) believe the Tooth Fairy instills good oral health habits.

 

While the Original Tooth Fairy Poll is meant for fun. It serves as a reminder that oral healthcare isn’t always boring or hard. Fun traditions, such as the Tooth Fairy, can incentivize kids to take better care of their teeth. Ownership and personal responsibility can be taught, as children realize that the Tooth Fairy prefers healthy teeth over those with cavities. Even financial responsibility can be built into the equation by teaching children to save their money or spend it wisely.

For more information and fun facts on the Original Tooth Fairy Poll, check out the website and take the poll at http://originaltoothfairypoll.com/.

Anderson Pediatric Dentistry wants your child to be at the top of the Tooth Fairy’s list! If you are looking for a dental home for your child in Anderson, South Carolina, and surrounding areas, give us a call at 864-760-1440, and let us give you Something to Smile About!