Dream Interpretation - Dreams Of Teeth

Dreams about teeth, particularly dreams where the dreamer finds his

or her teeth falling out, are much more common than you might think.

Some common forms of this dream include dreams in which the

dreamer's teeth crumble in his or her hands, or dreams in which the

teeth fall out with just a light touch. These dreams can be extremely

frightening, even more so than chase dreams or falling dreams. In

addition, such dreams often leave the dreamer with an image that is

hard to shake even after waking.

There are many theories about just what teeth, and losing teeth,

represent in the dream world, and these can be some of the most

difficult dreams to interpret. One theory holds that dreams about

teeth, and losing teeth, are a reflection of the dreamer's anxiety about

his or her appearance, and about how the dreamer thinks others

perceive him or her.

This interpretation is certainly valid, especially since we live in a

society that seems to value physical beauty above all else. Since a

good set of teeth play an important role in physical beauty, it is easy

to see how uncertainties about one's appearance could manifest

themselves in dreams about losing teeth.

Since teeth play such an important role in physical attraction

scenarios, such as flirting and getting the attention of the opposite

sex, dreams of losing teeth can be manifestations of fears of getting

old, fears of sexual impotence or other dating related anxieties.

Other interpretations of dreams of losing teeth hold that they are

representations of fear of embarrassment or making a fool of oneself.

For instance, someone who is dreading a potentially embarrassing

situation, such as making a speech or other public speaking

engagement, may dream of his or her teeth falling out. This type of

dream would represent an exaggeration of already present fears or

anxieties brought on by the upcoming event. People who are troubled

by dreams of losing teeth or teeth falling out should examine their own

lives for the source of possible embarrassment or appearance based

anxieties.

Another theory holds that teeth in dreams represent power, since they

are used in real life to tear, chew, and bite. Therefore, the loss of

teeth in a dream represents a perceived loss of power or influence.

People who feel frustrated, or who feel that their voices are not being

heard, may have dreams about losing teeth. Feeling ineffective, or

feelings of inferiority, are often associated with such dreams as well.

Finally, some of the latest dream research has revealed that women

have more frequent dreams about teeth as they enter menopause.

These dreams about teeth may be related to anxieties about

appearance and fears of getting older.

There are of course other interpretations of dreams of missing or

losing teeth. There are interpretations of this dream in a number of

cultures around the world, further testament to the fact that teeth are

a common dream theme in many cultures.

One biblical interpretation of the dream of losing teeth holds that the

bad teeth mean the dreamer is placing his or her faith in the works of

man rather than in the word of God. Thus the falling teeth in the

dream are urging the dreamer to turn back to God for guidance.

The ancient Greeks believed that dreams about loose, rotting or

missing teeth were warnings that a close friend or family member was

very ill or near death.

The Chinese hold that teeth falling out is a punishment for lying, and

that dreams of falling teeth are manifestations of guilt over telling lies.

Some have even suggested that dreams of missing teeth are

associated with money. This connection probably goes back to the old

tooth fairy story, where children are rewarded with money for putting

their lost teeth under their pillows.