Prices are increasing everywhere, from groceries and subscriptions to fuel and public transport, and now it seems even the tooth fairy is not immune to inflation
A 2023 study by RIFT found that the average amount parents in the UK were forking out was £1.96 per tooth. A new study by health and beauty tech retailer Currys found that this amount has increased to £2.97 per tooth on average, meaning the average child could be raking in £59.40 for their baby teeth in total, based on the average of 20 baby teeth per child.
The majority, 38%, of parents in the study opt for £1 per tooth, but over a fifth part with a hefty £5 per tooth, totalling £100 by the time the child has their adult teeth.
And what are children spending this money on? According to 53% of the parents, their children spend tooth fairy money on toys, while a third say it gets spent on sweets and just under a quarter (24%) says it goes towards saving for bigger item purchases
Where in the UK are parents parting with the most money for teeth?
When it came to how much parents of each region of the UK slip under pillows it seems the children in the South East are getting the most, with the average in this area coming in at £3.77 per tooth. The next most generous tooth fairy recipients live in London, where the average is £3.35 per tooth, and in third we have the West Midlands with £3.18 per tooth.
Average amount per tooth per UK region
| UK region | Average amount per tooth |
| South East | £3.77 |
| Greater London | £3.35 |
| West Midlands | £3.18 |
| North East | £3.15 |
| Wales | £3.06 |
| Scotland | £3.00 |
| North West | £2.99 |
| East Midlands | £2.68 |
| East of England | £2.61 |
| Northern Ireland | £2.27 |
| South West | £2.04 |
“Baby teeth don’t matter”: dentist busts child teeth myths
Although losing baby teeth is a perfectly normal part of development, good oral hygiene starts in childhood, and keeping baby teeth clean is important. Dr. Sara Amini, an award-winning dentist in central London, sets the record straight on some of the most common misconceptions about children’s oral health:
Myth #1: Baby teeth don’t matter
Many patients believe that keeping children’s baby teeth clean isn’t important and there’s no point in worrying about cavities since they’ll be replaced by adult teeth. However, not only are baby teeth essential for chewing, speaking, and holding space for permanent teeth, untreated cavities can cause pain, infections, and even affect adult teeth developing underneath. For example, losing baby teeth too early can impact jaw development and the space needed for adult teeth.
Ensuring cavities are treated with fillings can prevent bigger issues, particularly as tooth decay (caries) progresses faster in children than adults.
Myth #2: Kids don’t need a dentist until they’re older
Your child’s first dental visit should be by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Early visits prevent problems and build good habits.
Myth #3: Thumb-sucking in kids is harmless
Most kids stop thumb-sucking on their own by age 4 without permanent damage. However, if they don’t stop thumb-sucking or using a pacifier beyond age 4, it can cause an open bite. If the habit continues, dentists can help guide them.
Myth #4: Sugar is the only cause of cavities
Cavities are caused by bacteria that feed on sugars and starches. Poor oral hygiene and frequent snacking also play a role.
Myth #5: Children can’t get gum disease
Kids can develop gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, if oral hygiene is neglected.
Myth #6: Orthodontic treatment is for older teenagers
Although orthodontic treatment typically begins around the age of 14, which is after all adult teeth have emerged, it’s often better to start treatment at a younger age, particularly when addressing skeletal and jaw issues.
You can find the full study and methodology here: https://www.currys.co.uk/techtalk/kitchen-and-home/tooth-truths.html
