Teeth Falling Out Nightmare and Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Overview 

Dreams of teeth falling out are among the most popular dreams that are received by the dream moods.

Most of such dreams revolve around the teeth crumbling in your own hands, teeth starting to rot, growing crooked or falling out each one at a time with just a slight push. These types of dreams can not only be shocking & horrifying, they might even leave you with this strange fear stuck in your mind for a long time after.

Meaning of Teeth Falling Out Dreams

One popular theory about the teeth falling out dream is that the dream is a result of your own fears about how people perceive you.

Your teeth are a symbol of attractiveness, and they play an important role in the game of dating and approaching other people. Therefore, such dreams may occur from a fear of rejection, consequences of old age, or sexual impotence. To add weight to this notion, one study discovered that women who are in the menopause stage, have reported having frequent dreams about teeth falling out. This might be associated to teeth dreams and growing older. It can stem from a feeling of unattractiveness, for women Insecfeeling less feminine or getting older. Teeth are an important aspect of your attractiveness and it is natural and healthy to care about how you look.

Another theory that has been brought forward relating to these dreams is the fear of being embarrassed in a certain situation. These teeth falling out dreams are just an overreaction of your worries and anxieties. You might feel that you are not sufficiently prepared for a task waiting for you. Most of the times, such anxieties are just unfounded. Again, they can take place when the real situation is less serious than what is playing in your mind.

Teeth are used to chew, tear, bite and gnaw. In this aspect, they are a symbol of power and their loss in your dream may mean a sense of feeling less powerful. You may be having issues with low self esteem, feelings of inferiority or even lacking in self confidence in a relationship or a certain part of your life. Having such dreams is an indication that you need to have more belief in yourself and demonstrate more assertiveness.

Negative theories include

• Fear of rejection
• Vanity, self-esteem issues
• Insecurity
• Personal loss
• Stress & Anxiety

Positive theories include

• A sign of rebirth
• You’re about to make a major life change
• Teeth represent power

Freud’s Theories

The teeth falling out dream is common in many cultures.

Therefore, Freud was of the opinion that it must be a dream symbol that carries huge importance. According to Freud and the evidence he had gathered, men having dreams about teeth falling out are mainly associated with sexual desires. Dreams associated with teeth falling out or pulling out of teeth are mainly associated with loss of a certain connection. Freud associates them to sexual references, fear of castration for men and sexual repression.

Medical Aspect of Teeth Grinding

In medical terms, teeth grinding is known as bruxism.

It refers to either the habit of clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth. This is a condition that happens automatically and involuntarily. According to the American Dental Association, about 10% of people are believed to be suffering from this condition, both children and adults.

The Connection Between Teeth Grinding and The Teeth Falling Out Dream

There has been more and more evidence that suggests the teeth falling out nightmare may be a good indication that a person is grinding his/her teeth during the night.

Several bruxers (teeth grinders) note that they have experienced multiple dreams where teeth problems are the dominant theme.

Bruxism exists in two varieties, the awake bruxism, and sleep bruxism. Awake bruxism is mostly associated with jaw clenching and less of teeth grinding. The sleep bruxism is the most common and a source of concern for most people.

Symptoms of Bruxism 

Teeth grinding at night can lead to various problems.

Some of them might cease if you can manage and control your teeth grinding. However others are permanent problems. The following are some of the symptoms associated with this condition.

• – Tooth fractures, shortened teeth, worn teeth, tooth loss and loosening.
• – Jaw aches, earaches, headaches
• – Sleep disruption for both your partner and you
• – Gum complications such as receding and regular bleeding.
• – Face muscles pain
• – Problems moving the muscles of the mouth, especially when opening.

Medical explanation for teeth grinding at night

Teeth Falling Out Nightmare and Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

The main cause of this condition is still not clear, as is the case with other sleeping disorders. There are various explanations brought forward, and it might also be a combination of more than one of the factors listed below.

Psychological Problems

When you are trying to find out the underlying factors that lead you to grind your teeth, stress might come up more often. Most people grind their teeth during those stressful moments. According to the US bruxism association, more than 70% suffering from bruxism is as a result of stress. Medical professionals agree that stress and anxiety are main causes of bruxism.

Other Sleep Disorders 

According to the National Health Service, there is a high possibility of people to grind their teeth when suffering from sleep disorders. These include:

• – Upper airway resistance syndrome. This is a breathing problem that needs to be addressed by a medical professional.
• – Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
• – Snoring

Medication and drugs

Some recreational drugs and medicine have been known to contribute to bruxism. Drugs like amphetamine, cocaine, and SSRI anti-depressants are believed to contribute to bruxism. Doctors also believe that too much alcohol or caffeine might lead to this condition.

How to Stop Teeth Grinding 

There are various treatments available for you if you are suffering from bruxism. However, the success of the medical procedure largely depends on the root cause of the condition. Most of these solutions will cure it or reduce its severity.

Dental Check Up

Teeth grinding and chewing can create huge teeth damage. If you suffer from it, then you should be having regular dental checkups. If damage has already been caused, then some reconstruction can also be done.

Wearing a Mouth Guard

This method remains one of the most effective methods for minimizing the effects of teeth grinding on the teeth. Mouth guards come in the form of rubber and plastic. However, they only help in addressing the problem/damage and not the root cause.

Psychological Help

If the underlying reasons for your bruxism is psychological and mostly stress, then some professional help might be needed. There are many therapies available today that are very effective. Hypnotherapy has also proved to be very effective in addressing this challenge.

Conclusion 

There is a link, mostly psychological between the two areas- the traditional and the medical theories. Some theories about teeth falling out dreams are positive while others are negative. If you are experiencing pain after waking from your dream, you may be grinding or clenching your teeth at night. What remains a solid case is that teeth grinding at night is mainly brought on by stress and anxiety. Take care of yourself. Implement a nightly self care (include oral hygiene) routine before bed. Brush and floss your teeth and wear your night guard if you believe you grind or clench your teeth at night.

We want to hear your stories! Are you a bruxer that also has dreams of your teeth falling out? Comment below!