"I had a dream last night that my teeth fell out."
This is such a common statement from patients and most are quite concerned that these dreams are going to become a reality. Most often these dreams are symbolic of life events that may be causing some stress and not an actual premonition that your teeth are going to fall out. Psychologists and dream experts have long studied the root (no pun intended) cause of these dreams. Some very interesting theories:
** Tooth dreams are had by all ages, however, a person's particular life stage may directly influence the content of the dream. For example, a person in their later years may be more concerned about their own longevity, versus the younger patient who is perhaps just starting out in life and trying to establish themselves in the world.
**Life transitions may come out in your dreams. Perhaps you are moving or got a new job and are feeling overwhelmed by all the changes.
**Feeling insecure and powerless to situations that are beyond your control may come out in your dreams.
**Some experts weigh in even further, suggesting that if any of the teeth that fell out were gold, that could signify a problem of more value!
**If your lost teeth were replaced by shiny, new ones, that could signify resolution.
That all being said and all symbolism aside, the best way to be sure your tooth dreams don't become a reality is to be proactive. Brush twice a day, floss every day, and visit us twice a year....you knew we were going to say that, didn't you :)