The Tooth Fairy is an important part of oral health for children. A recent poll has looked into how the oral health of children is impacted by the tooth fairy. The findings are very positive, with the tooth fairy helping to promote strong oral health habits. It also acts as a way of reminding children of the importance of their dental health – making it very useful!
Every year, August 22nd marks “National Tooth Fairy Day” – a day which is used to remind parents and children of the importance of oral health and raise awareness of the oral health of children.
In line with this date, Delta Dental have released findings from their 2023 Original Tooth Fairy Poll® – which has been in operation for 25 years [1].
About the Tooth Fairy
The tooth fairy actually dates back many centuries, having originated in Europe. In more recent decades, it has become a regular fixture in American households.
A visit from the tooth fairy is normally a very exciting prospect for children – and often results in a financial reward. Therefore, it can be a great way of incentivizing strong oral health.
Typically, a child will place their lost tooth under their pillow prior to sleeping. After waking up, money is normally placed there – with the idea that the tooth fairy has come to visit during the night.
The 2023 Tooth Fairy Poll
The Tooth Fairy Poll® takes place each year. This poll is commissioned by Delta Dental, who interviewed 1,000 parents of children aged 6 to 12. These parents were asked about the tooth fairy and its impact on their children and their oral health [1].
The tooth fairy is an important part of life for most Americans. The poll found that 81% of American homes involve the tooth fairy in their day-to-day lives [1].
Overall, the results are overwhelmingly positive in support of the tooth fairy! The various statistics put forward by the poll show how useful it can be.
Perhaps the most important finding is that 1 in 3 parents say the tooth fairy instils good oral health habits in their children [1]. Therefore, mentioning the tooth fairy on a regular basis can be useful for parents, as it appears to have a positive impact on children.
The research also found that the tooth fairy can be used as a way of motivating children to look after their teeth more [1]. Parents can suggest to their children that the tooth fairy is watching them closely, which can make them likelier to pay extra attention to their oral health.
There are other benefits too for parents. Among these is the finding that 27% of children go to bed early when anticipating a visit from the tooth fairy [1]!
One of the most noticeable changes in recent years is the value of a tooth! The average value in 2023 is $6.23 [1]. Incredibly, this has risen from $1.30 since the poll first started – representing a 379% increase [1]!
In terms of regions within the United States, southern states valued teeth the highest – providing an average of $6.59 per tooth [1]. Meanwhile, midwestern states valued teeth the lowest – although this was still $5.63 on average [1].
A “beloved visitor”
Gabriella Ferroni, the Senior Director of Strategic Communications at Delta Dental, discussed the poll’s findings. Ferroni said that “the tooth fairy is a beloved visitor into homes across the country” [1].
Continuing, Ferroni said that the tooth fairy helps to foster “proper oral hygiene habits at an early age, which in turn supports overall health” [1].
Ferroni recommends that parents can “encourage positive dental care” by reminding their children that the tooth fairy “prefers the cleanest, healthiest teeth” [1].
These various steps can all help to promote the importance of oral health to children. This can make them have excellent habits throughout their life which can boost both their oral and physical health.
Thinking points…
1) As shown in the findings above, the tooth fairy can have a positive impact on children. Therefore, if you are a parent, you can utilize the benefits of the tooth fairy! This will reward your children for looking after their teeth and brushing regularly. Regularly reminding children of the tooth fairy and its potential benefits can definitely help! Remember to talk about oral health with your children!
2) Looking after oral health is important for both children and adults. For adults, a great way of setting an example can be to take your children to your own dental check-ups. Furthermore, you can attend your children’s check-ups too! Make sure you attend dental check-ups once every six months, as this will help to keep your oral health strong. We recommend booking an appointment now!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Delta Dental Plans Association. (2023). Delta Dental poll finds Tooth Fairy welcomed into most U.S. homes. Available: https://www.deltadental.com/us/en/tooth-fairy/press-release.html. Last accessed: 1st September 2023.
