What’s a tooth worth?

How much is a tooth worth? I think I’ve gotten snookered by my kids.  My daughter has negotiated a minimum $10 tooth fairy exchange for her latest lost tooth.  How did this happen? I’m to blame, of course, a few years ago in a moment of weakness

 there was a stubborn loose tooth that didn’t want to come out.  There were tears, big tears, and I felt horrible so I nicely stuck a $5 under my younger daughter’s pillow. Previously the average was $2 and the next morning when my older daughter found out about my generousity there were a lot of evil stares (she had long ago figured out I was the tooth fairy) and thus began the campaign of negotiating for the next loose tooth.

Now that my older daughter has only a few baby teeth left she’s pulling out all the stops.  I realize I can step up and end the loose tooth negotiations and in my moment of strength I just about get there, until I realize I only have a $20 in my wallet, her tooth just fell out and it’s well past the time to run to the bank.

I guess now a tooth is worth $20.  Sigh.

Below are some pieces of advice and sound scientific research on the Tooth Fairy subject and some funny takes on the subject of loose teeth and what they are worth when they come out – it seems like I’m not alone in my dilemma.

Tooth Fairy Survey 2012 featured on USA Today

How much does the Tooth Fairy Pay featured on CBS Money Watch

Tooth Fairy Inflation by Dadspin as featured on Deadspin.com