How much should the tooth fairy leave?
Tooth under the pillow tonight? Here's the going rate in about five seconds.
First teeth are a milestone, and many parents leave a little extra.
Parents nationally report leaving about
per tooth · regional averages run $5.27–$6.45
Based on the 2026 Delta Dental Original Tooth Fairy Poll: what parents report, not a rule. There's no wrong number; what matters is the habit that starts tonight.
The amount matters less than what happens next. LumiJar turns tonight's coins into money habits, and makes sure the fairy never forgets.
See how LumiJar works
LumiJar turns the tooth fairy into a lesson in saving, with Jarly keeping it going all year.
The short answer
In 2026, American parents report the tooth fairy leaves about $5.84 per tooth on average. A first tooth earns a premium of about $7.17, and 38% of parents deliberately leave extra for the milestone. Rates vary by region, from $5.27 in the Midwest to $6.45 in the Northeast. Whatever you choose, consistency between siblings (and between teeth!) matters more to kids than the amount.
One finding is worth a dentist's attention. In the August 2026 release of the Delta Dental Original Tooth Fairy Poll, 30% of parents said their child's oral health habits influence how much the tooth fairy leaves. For nearly a third of families the going rate is already tied to how the tooth was looked after, not just to the fact it came out.