Tooth Fairy Payment Increases as Some Parents Leave Up to £10 Under the Pillow
A new survey has revealed that parents are becoming increasingly generous when it comes to taking on the role of the Tooth Fairy. Research carried out by Carisbrook Dental Practice in Manchester shows an increase of £0.60 in the average amount left by parents when their child’s tooth falls out in the last five years. While the average rose from £1.50 to £2.10, some parents admitted to leaving up to £10 under the pillow.
There were regional variations in the average figure, with parents in London and the South East most likely to leave more than £2 for a lost tooth. Just under 10 percent of children received £10 per tooth, while 2 percent were given £20. The average payment was lowest in Newcastle at just £1. Eight per cent of children never receive a visit from the tooth fairy.
The survey involved around 1,000 parents in different areas of the country.
Owner of Carisbrook Dental, Tariq Idrees, said that the Tooth Fairy remains a very popular character in many families and lots of children still get excited about receiving a small amount of money when they lose a tooth. At Carisbrook Dental, the team takes time to chat to children about the Tooth Fairy and encourage them to look after their baby teeth, so that they fall out at the right time and there is a lower risk of decay and premature tooth loss, which can affect the development of the permanent adult teeth.
While he was pleased that the tradition of the Tooth Fairy is still going strong, Mr Idrees was disappointed that the survey suggested that most children spend their money on sweets and suggested spending it on toys, books or days out instead.
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