Survey finds tooth fairy fees have gone up

Minnesota children received an average of $1.96 per tooth from the tooth fairy for each tooth lost, up from last year's average of $1.62, according to Delta Dental of Minnesota's 2010 Tooth Fairy Poll.

The annual Tooth Fairy poll results are derived from a national survey randomly distributed to Delta Dental of Minnesota members and their families across the U.S. What began as a fun poll to determine the Tooth Fairy going rate has now evolved into an informational tool that asks parents about their children's dental behaviors, the company noted in a press release.

Other results from the 2010 poll:

• Nearly half of children's first dental visits occurred by age two, which is a move in the right direction. "For the past few years, the poll revealed the child's first dental visit was closer to age three, so this is a positive shift," said Ann Johnson, director of community affairs for Delta Dental of Minnesota.
• Approximately 90% of parents surveyed said their children receive a dental exam every six months.
• More than half of parents surveyed indicated their children consume an average of one to two sugar drinks and/or treats per day.
• 79% of parents reported that their children brush their teeth in the morning, 90.5% of children brush at night, but only 3.1% brush at noon.
• Over 55% did not know that tooth decay is contagious, transmissible, and a bacterial infection. However, 61% changed their toothbrush after the cold or flu.