Sleep is supposed to bring us a sense of total relaxation so we can properly recharge for whatever the next day brings. But when an unsettling dream pops up, it can disrupt a perfectly peaceful snooze. One of the more uncomfortable dreams we’ve heard about at our dental office in Madison involves vivid pictures of teeth falling out, or crumbling to dust. But what does this dental related dream really mean? Let’s take a closer look…
One of the most commonly proposed explanations behind dreams about losing your teeth is high levels of anxiety in real life. If the dreams are experienced periodically, they could be triggered by a particularly stressful life event or during a big life transition. Dreams in which your teeth are affected could also indicate feelings of helplessness or as if you don’t have control. According to a Psychological Reports study, recurring dreams of this nature are typically found in people who are more anxious, less self-confident, and even depressed.
A more dated belief behind a tooth loss dream is that it’s a warning of the future death of a friend or family member. This dark meaning is still a valid belief in several Chinese and Native American traditions, although recent research suggests a more likely explanation of growing older.
As we age, we tend to take on additional worries that were never even a consideration when we were younger. These thoughts may be triggered around a birthday when a fear of getting older is usually at its worst. While death or a realization of one’s mortality can be one of those thoughts, it’s more likely a dream about losing teeth is brought on by being unable to control the aging process.
Not every interpretation about this dream is so dreary. Sometimes a person may experience one when beginning an exciting new adventure such as a relationship, job, or rewarding hobby. According to one of the top dream interpretation psychologists and the Jungian dream analysis, experiencing a dream where you lose your tooth may represent a birth. Whether that’s a true birth of a child or simply the birth of something new, it is a respected interpretation of the tooth loss dream.
Dreams that disturb our sleep are never pleasant, and dreams about losing your teeth can be particularly scary. But try not interpret these unconscious thoughts as realty. However, if you happen to actually be missing a tooth or several teeth, we encourage you to call our Madison dental office to schedule a consultation. We have a variety of ways to help restore your smile including dental implants, a dental bridge, or dentures. Give us a call today, we’ll be happy to help!
