Losing A Tooth Is Big Business

Whether it's the result of the promising signs of an economic recovery or simple generosity, the Tooth Fairy is slipping a lot of money under pillows in exchange for baby teeth. The nationwide average in 2012 was $2.42 per tooth, up 15.2 percent from the $2.10 given, on average, in 2011. That's the word from the annual Tooth Fairy Poll conducted by Delta Dental. More facts from the Delta Dental Tooth Fairy Poll:

• The Tooth Fairy visited nearly 90 percent of U.S. homes with children who lost a tooth.
• The Tooth Fairy left cash for kids in 98 percent of the homes she visited. Two percent of children received toys, candy, gum or other gifts.
• Tooth Fairy monetary gifts ranged from one penny to $100.
• The most common amount left under the pillow for a lost tooth was $1; however in 22 percent of homes, the kids struck it rich with $5 per tooth.
• The Tooth Fairy is more generous when it comes to children who have lost their first tooth, leaving more money for the first tooth in 46 percent of homes. On average, the amount given for a first tooth was $3.49.