Israeli scientists from Ben-Gurion University in the Negev have provided a scientific explanation for common dreams about people’s teeth breaking or falling out. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Frontiers in Psychology.
Dental problems remain one of the most common dream themes. Approximately 39% of people have had similar dreams at least once in their lives. Over the years, such night visions have been interpreted in various ways: from predictions of imminent loss in the family to the subconscious fear of aging.
In the new study, experts surveyed 210 people aged 18 to 28. Participants filled out questionnaires indicating dream themes, stress levels, sleep quality, and oral sensations, such as teeth grinding while sleeping and feeling tight or sore in the mouth after waking up.
Scientists have found a significant connection between teeth-related dreams and dental irritation upon waking. This means that people who dream of their teeth falling out are more likely to report feeling tight in their teeth, gums, or jaw when they wake up.
Interestingly, no connection was observed with teeth grinding, although this is often what causes irritation in the mouth. The researchers suggested that many people may not be aware that they are grinding their teeth during sleep, but they are aware of tooth stimulation following oral sensations during waking.
Moreover, the study also found that teeth-related dreams were not associated with psychological stress or sleep quality; This refutes the idea that these dreams are primarily caused by psychological problems.
This discovery challenged the traditional view that dreams of teeth falling out are a symbolic representation of psychological distress. Instead, the study suggests that these dreams may have a physical basis rather than purely symbolic psychological symptoms.
Psychologists before to create The connection between dream content and thoughts during wakefulness.