Tooth Fairy payout

A new survey by Delta Dental revealed just how generous the Tooth Fairy is these days.

According to The Original Tooth Fairy Poll, the average gift from the Tooth Fairy in 2011 was $2.10 – that’s down 42 cents from the 2010 gift of $2.52.

It’s been about 20 years since I first lost a tooth, but I’m pretty sure I never received more than $1 for a tooth – perhaps a few quarters more for the molars.

Turns out, that’s still what most kids receive.

The survey found that the most common amount left under kids’ pillows was $1. Most children, however, find more money under the pillow for their first lost tooth, according to the survey.

Here are some other findings from the poll, which surveyed 1,355 parents across the country:

-90 percent of those surveyed said they take their children to the dentist every six months.

-35 percent allow their children to have three to four surgery drinks every day. Dentists say that’s too many.

-71 percent said they first take their child to the dentist between age 2 and 3. Dentists recommend parents take their children to the dentist by age 1 or within six months of the first tooth breaking through.

For more oral health tips and baby tooth truths and myths, check out The Original Tooth Fairy Poll website.

How much did the Tooth Fairy leave under your pillow?