The Tooth of it All

I dream every night. I don't always remember my dreams, but I definitely have something--usually a LOT of things--going on in my subconscious any time I fall asleep.  The only recurring dream I can recall having for pretty much my entire life is the appearance of teeth.  Usually my own.

Let me start out by saying that I have an irrational fear of going to the dentist. Even for simple cleanings, actually.  Okay...so maybe it's not irrational.  Lots of people hate going to the dentist, right?  I have very sensitive teeth and some very minor gum issues that can cause a lot of pain if Nurse Freakin' Ratched is playing Dental Hygienist on the day I have an appointment.

But in my dreams, it's never dentist's-office-related.  It usually has something to do with my teeth falling out or breaking, or getting hit in the mouth and losing a tooth.

Due to the fact that I loathe anything having to do with a dentist's office, I'd definitely call these recurring dreams "nightmares."  They occur often enough for me to have looked them up.  Here's what I've found:

One theory is that dreams about your teeth reflect your anxieties about your appearance and how others perceive you...Another rationalization for these falling teeth dreams may be rooted in your fear of being embarrassed or making a fool of yourself in some situation. These dreams are an over-exaggeration of your worries and anxieties....(source: www.dreammoods.com) 

Many other web sites concur with these same interpretations of teeth dreams.  It all sounds...well, a bit familiar.  I do tend to put ridiculous stock in how I look to others, and I also have tendencies towards extreme stress/anxiety. 

Give me Ryan Reynolds (a random, but recurring star in some of my more, um, exciting dreams) in a towel any day over these dreams! 

##

I'm participating in a monthly blog challenge called Reverb Broads!  Check us out, and join in on the fun! #ReverbBroads