Tooth Fairy feels the squeeze as average rates drop
The average sum children receive for losing a tooth has decreased, suggesting that even the Tooth Fairy is feeling the squeeze during the cost of living crisis.
A survey by Dental Phobia suggests that the average rate has dropped from £2.10 per tooth in 2018 to £1.90 per tooth in 2023.
The poll, which involved 5,000 parents, highlighted significant regional differences. Rates were highest in London at £2.30 per tooth. In the most affluent areas, including Kensington, children received an average payout of £5 per tooth. The lowest rates were recorded in the North East where the Tooth Fairy left £0.90 per tooth.
Although the average payment has fallen in the last five years, some parents who participated in the survey gave their children up to £20 per tooth. Around 10% of children were given £10 for a lost tooth. Almost 30% receive £1 per tooth and 25% get a £2 coin. Almost 15% of children get less than £1 and 8% never receive a visit from the Tooth Fairy.
The survey also showed that most young children believe in the Tooth Fairy. Over 90% of under 5s await a visit after losing a tooth. More than a third of parents said that their children spend the money on sweets, with toys (30%) and books (7%) other popular choices.
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