What Your Dreams about Your Teeth and Dental Treatments Mean

One of the most common dreams are those involving loss of teeth, dental problems and fears of dental treatment. According to the National Library of Medicine Biotech Information, 39% of the population has had such dreams. This equates to over a third of the population nationally. This blog shall take a look at some of the reasons people believe these dreams are so common. There are many ideas concerning the rationale behind these dreams with some coming to a perhaps more plausible conclusion than others!

Psychological Interpretations of Tooth-Related Dreams

Sigmund Freud was an Austrian neurologist who was born in 1856, you can find out more about Freud’s life and work here. Within his plethora of psychoanalytic texts, Freud has several ideas on why dreams involving teeth and dental practice are so common. Firstly within ‘Interpretation of Dreams (1990), Freud argues that teeth and dental practice dreams symbolise sexual elements, for instance, castration. Furthermore, he implies these dreams may also relate to dental stimuli. He does however note, both of his theories are just that: theories without concrete scientific proof.

Recent Scientific Discovery

Within a more recent neurological study than Sigmund Freud, scientists Kato and Lavigne, which you can find more about here, have found a correlation between people who grind their teeth and those who dream about dental treatments and teeth in general. They have also suggested that muscle tightness within the jaw can lead to these sorts of dreams. However, the bottom line is there is a strong lack of evidence for why 39% of the population have teeth and dental treatment and practice-related dreams. Every correlation between muscle tightness in the jaw, teeth grinding and such dreams are significantly small, leaving the dreams a slight scientific mystery.

Mental Health & Dental Practise Dreams

For many a trip to the dentist is one which is not filled with pleasure yet fear. The dreams which surround teeth and dental treatments are too shrouded with fear. This has led a few scientists to conclude that these dreams are a result of anxiety and stress. This is seemingly one of the more plausible beliefs around these dreams for the connection with being stressed and anxious in one’s waking life and sleeping life appear valid. Many symptoms of anxiety are closely related to the mouth and teeth. For instance, grinding the teeth has been linked with anxiety as has biting the lip. The invasiveness of dental treatments can trigger anxiety amongst some as it forces trust among patients and dentists in a person who may find trust difficult. If you are suffering from dental practice anxiety this blog may be of comfort!

Acorn Dental Health: High-Quality Dentistry in a Friendly & Relaxed Environment

Although at Acorn Dental Health we may not be able to tell you for certain either way why you are having dental treatment and teeth-related dreams, we can ensure your visit to our practice is as stress-free as possible and we are more than happy to talk through any anxieties you may have surrounding your dental treatment with our approachable team. Please don’t hesitate to contact us here.