How much should the tooth fairy leave?
Tooth under the pillow tonight? Here's the going rate — in about five seconds.
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 remembers the fairy never forgets.
LumiJar Coming soonA money-and-healthy-teeth app for growing families, built by a periodontist and UCLA educator.
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 — 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.