Tooth Fairy poll shows recovering economy

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OAK BROOK, Ill., Feb. 27 (UPI) -- An Illinois Tooth Fairy poll spokesman said the increased amount given children for lost baby teeth augurs good news for the U.S. economy.

The Original Tooth Fairy poll revealed the average Tooth Fairy gift went up from $2.10 in 2011 to $2.42 in 2012, a 15.2 percent gain, Delta Dental in Oak Brook, Ill., reported.

The Original Tooth Fairy Poll showed trends in Tooth Fairy gifts has tracked the Standard & Poor's 500 index in nine of the last 10 years. In 2012, the TF's gain of 15.2 percent was similar to the S&P gain of 13.4 percent.

"As the leaders of the dental benefits industry, we look at all kinds of economic indicators. I'm happy to say that the Tooth Fairy delivered encouraging news about the country's economic recovery in 2012," said Delta Dental Plans Association's spokesman, Bill Hupp.

The survey, which contacted more than 1.200 parents nationwide, indicated the Tooth Fairy rewarded first-time tooth losers even more generously, leaving an average of $3.49.

In 98 percent of the homes the Tooth Fairy visited, cash was left for consolation for the first loss. The remaining 2 percent got toys, candy, gum or other gifts.