Oil is up. Stocks are down. But it’s nice to know that even as the economy teeters on recession, your kid can still command top dollar for loose teeth.

Minnesota children receive an average of $2.10 per tooth, a penny higher than the national average and a 44 percent jump from 2007, according to The Tooth Fairy Poll by Eagan-based Delta Dental.

That local tykes are getting more money for their molars seems to fly in the face of history, since the poll normally reflects the state of the economy.

“This direction of change is inconsistent with trends exhibited in other more commonplace indices,” said Marty Weiland, operations analyst for Delta Dental, noting the Nasdaq and Dow Jones Industrial Averages have fallen 7.4 percent and 3.76 percent respectively in the same time period.

“So either the Tooth Fairy is an expert investor or we may be seeing something analogous to the “lipstick effect” where during an economic downturn or a recession, the tendency is for consumers to purchase small, comforting items rather than large luxury items,” Weiland said.

At least kids are getting something for their troubles. The tooth fairy didn’t leave me anything when I was a tyke. Guess the economy sucked back then. Or was it booming? Wait, I’m confused now….

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