Securian Dental performed a formal poll of Tooth Fairies working throughout the United States and confirmed that the same inflationary pressures that are impacting the other market sectors has been felt across the lost tooth purchase market. While 2006 saw an average procurement price of just $1.71, this price jumped 22% in 2007 to $2.09.

The Tooth Value Index tracked various local markets nationwide, including children receiving as little as a nickel, all the way up to those earning $50 per tooth. Results show a qualified mouth can reap as much as $1,000, in rare cases, but a national average of $41.80 for a full set of baby teeth.

Children wishing to sell their teeth to one of these swing shift fairies are advised that regular brushing, flossing and cooperative visits to the dentist will increase the value of lost teeth. Tooth decay is preventable, and children are strongly encouraged to practice best dental hygiene in order to ensure the best rate of return on lost teeth.

Jason McEnamel, a representative for the Tooth Fairies Union, said that, “We’ve seen big growth in the lost tooth industry, and we’re pickier about what we’re paying, but we’ll pay top dollar for good teeth… These kids went through the pain of losing them, the least we can do is increase the price we’re willing to pay for them, as long as they’ve been brushed.”

Experts warn children to be careful about which teeth they lose. According to Tooth Fairy regulations, it is illegal to pay children for grownup teeth, unless they have to be pulled for crowding or other unavoidable reasons.

If you are the parent of a child who will soon have teeth to offer for sale to the Tooth Fairy, we strongly urge you to share what you’ve learned with them. The benefits of regular brushing, flossing, and checkups can not be overstated, and if they want to earn top dollar, their whites must be pearly.

The poll showed that most children are working hard to keep their teeth in good health. 73% of parents report that their children brush their teeth twice per day, and that about 92% state their children receive a dental exam every six months. ADA surveys might suggest these parents are prone to exaggeration, but we’ll take we can get.