Tooth Fairies in the West Midlands are the least generous in the UK, leaving an average of just 86 pence per tooth.

A new survey by the British Dental Health Foundation has calculated that children in the West Midlands are visited by the least generous Tooth Fairies in the UK.  On average children receive just 86 pence per tooth compared to a UK average of £1.08.  Children in Yorkshire and Humberside receive the most with an average of £1.45 per tooth.

In total, Tooth Fairies across the UK are leaving over £16.5 million each year under the pillows of children in exchange for their milk teeth.  The survey has also found that £1 is the most common amount left by the Tooth Fairy, with over six out of every ten children finding the shiny coin when they wake up.

In fact the Tooth Fairy is one of the hardest working employees in the country as they clock on for their night time shift.  With an estimated 15 million teeth falling out of children’s mouth each year, the Tooth Fairy is making an average of 42,000 visits each night and over 1.3 million money drops during this year’s National Smile Month campaign, which is organised by the Foundation and runs until 15 June 2011.

Nearly 65 per cent of children received £1 for each of their milk teeth.  Just over one in ten children were lucky enough to receive over £2 or more each time for their missing tooth.

Dr Nigel Carter, Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation said: “Children have around 20 milk teeth so it is no surprise that the Tooth Fairy is so busy. Unfortunately, around one in three children are leaving teeth for the Tooth Fairy which show signs of visible dental decay, so we hope that during National Smile Month Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Guardians and Teachers will take the opportunity to remind children about how to look after their teeth.

“A simple routine of brushing for two minutes twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste, cutting down on how often you eat and drink sugary foods and drinks and visiting your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend, will help develop good oral health”, advised Dr Carter.

Amount left by the Tooth Fairy….

£974,959.97