Even the Tooth Fairy is feeling the squeeze of inflation as a new study reveals a decline in the value of lost teeth for the first time in five years.
New research from Delta Dental revealed that the average value of a single tooth during the past year has declined by 6% – falling from £4.88 to £4.57.
The drop in cost marks the first year-over-year decline in Tooth Fairy payments in five years.
While the loss of a first tooth typically commands a premium, the poll also found the Tooth Fairy is minding her pennies in celebration of this milestone with the average value dropping from £5.71 to £5.55 over the past year.
Experts said that their Tooth Fairy Poll usually mirrors the economy’s overall direction and tracks with trends of Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500).
However, they found that while the single tooth cost decreased 6%, the S&P 500 experienced a 20% increase during the same period.
Gabriella Ferroni from Delta Dental Plans Association, said: “Delta Dental has tracked US Tooth Fairy giving trends for 26 years as a timely way to spotlight the importance of children’s oral health.
“It is not a surprise to see she tightened her purse strings following last year’s record high.
“Despite the more economical reward, Tooth Fairy giving is a fun conversation starter to encourage good oral hygiene habits at an early age.”