The Tooth Fairy

British children receive almost £24m each year from the Tooth Fairy, according to the results of a recent survey. The Oral Health Foundation found that Britain’s youngsters are receiving an average of £1.58 per tooth. That’s $3.14 New Zealand dollars!

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. The ideal is for children’s teeth to fall out naturally and healthily, free from signs of decay.

Here in Nelson, more than 100 children under 12 wound up in hospital to have one or more rotten teeth pulled under general anaesthetic in 2021

The deteriorating state of our children’s teeth is a slow burning health epidemic, mainly caused by consuming too much sugar, too often. These extractions cost $14.7 million dollars to provide.

Here at Nelson Dental Centre we recommend you limit your children’s snacking and replace sugary snacks with healthier foods. Children should understand the value of looking after their teeth and have fun doing it. Consider using songs, games, or apps they can brush along to.

And tell them the Tooth Fairy pays more for healthy teeth!