Delta Dental Poll: More Children Going to Bed Early for Tooth Fairy
The Tooth Fairy is reportedly winning the bedtime battle, with more children going to bed early in anticipation. New findings from Delta Dental's poll indicate increased excitement and adherence to bedtime routines.
A recent Delta Dental poll suggests a growing trend of children adhering to earlier bedtimes, motivated by the prospect of a visit from the Tooth Fairy. Additional findings from the 2026 Original Tooth Fairy Poll®, released in observation of National Tooth Fairy Day on August 22, highlight children's increasing anticipation for the fairy's visit.
The survey indicates that a larger number of children now associate losing a tooth with a visit from the Tooth Fairy and view early bedtime as a necessary step to ensure the fairy can find them. These findings suggest parents are leveraging the Tooth Fairy mythos to encourage better sleep habits.
Delta Dental noted that this trend could indirectly benefit children's oral hygiene, as adequate sleep is crucial for overall health, including dental health. The excitement surrounding the Tooth Fairy might also motivate children to be more diligent about their dental care.
National Tooth Fairy Day is observed annually on August 22. Delta Dental has previously released data regarding children's expectations for Tooth Fairy visits and the perceived monetary value of the coins left behind.