According to a survey carried out by the Oral Health Foundation, children from across the UK are receiving £23.7 million annually, after losing their baby teeth.
This sum was calculated from a survey which found that the tooth fairy paid out on average £1.58 per tooth (43.6% more since 2011!). With roughly 15 million first teeth falling out each year, this represents a staggering amount of money across the whole of the UK.
Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, says: “The Tooth Fairy business is increasingly lucrative and has seen major inflation in recent years, but it is really important that children are mindful of just how precious the baby teeth they are placing under their pillows are.
“Many believe that milk teeth don’t need to be healthy, as they will just fall out anyway, but this could not be further from the truth.
“The health of children’s baby teeth and their oral health in adulthood are closely linked so it is vital that a child’s mouth is kept clean and healthy. We want to see children’s milk teeth fall out naturally and healthily, free from signs of decay.”
With extractions of children’s teeth up nearly 20% compared to four years ago (43,000 in 2017) it’s more important than ever that we share the news of how to keep your children’s teeth healthy.
- children under 16 receive a free annual checkup at Bridge Dental Clinic
- children’s toothbrushes should be replaced every 3 months
- always check the sugar content of food and drink to help reduce one of the main causes of tooth decay