Dreaming of Losing Your Teeth? Find Out Why.

woman wakes from nightmareSleep is supposed to bring us a sense of total relaxation so we can properly recharge for whatever the next day brings. But when an unsettling dream pops up, it can disrupt a perfectly peaceful snooze. One of the more uncomfortable dreams we’ve heard about at our dental office in Lewisburg involves vivid pictures of teeth falling out, or crumbling to dust. But what does this dental related dream really mean? Let’s take a closer look…

Feeling Anxious?

One of the most commonly proposed explanations behind dreams about losing your teeth is high levels of anxiety in real life. If the dreams are experienced periodically, they could be triggered by a particularly stressful life event or during a big life transition. Dreams in which your teeth are affected could also indicate feelings of helplessness or as if you don’t have control. According to a Psychological Reports study, recurring dreams of this nature are typically found in people who are more anxious, less self-confident, and even depressed.

Death of a Loved One?

A more dated belief behind a tooth loss dream is that it’s a warning of the future death of a friend or family member. This dark meaning is still a valid belief in several Chinese and Native American traditions, although recent research suggests a more likely explanation of growing older.

Getting Older?

As we age, we tend to take on additional worries that were never even a consideration when we were younger. These thoughts may be triggered around a birthday when a fear of getting older is usually at its worst. While death or a realization of one’s mortality can be one of those thoughts, it’s more likely a dream about losing teeth is brought on by being unable to control the aging process.

Starting Something New?

Not every interpretation about this dream is so dreary. Sometimes a person may experience one when beginning an exciting new adventure such as a relationship, job, or rewarding hobby. According to one of the top dream interpretation psychologists and the Jungian dream analysis, experiencing a dream where you lose your tooth may represent a birth. Whether that’s a true birth of a child or simply the birth of something new, it is a respected interpretation of the tooth loss dream.

Dreams that disturb our sleep are never pleasant, and dreams about losing your teeth can be particularly scary. But try not interpret these unconscious thoughts as realty. However, if you happen to actually be missing a tooth or several teeth, we encourage you to call our Lewisburg dental office to schedule a consultation. We have a variety of ways to help restore your smile including dental implants, a dental bridge, or dentures. Give us a call today, we’ll be happy to help!

We’re always welcoming new patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport, and surrounding areas.

Is Drinking Green Beer on St. Patrick’s Day Bad for Teeth?

Green Beer and pretzelsSt. Patrick’s Day is often celebrated by wearing a bunch of green, maybe going to a parade, and oftentimes, drinking beer. Sometimes bars and restaurants even go the extra mile by dyeing their beer green to enhance the festive feeling. While the team at our dental office in Lewisburg is all for enjoying the day responsibly, there are a few things about beer and your dental health that you should know about.

Acid Attack

It may surprise you to know that beer is quite acidic. While different types of beer have varying levels of acidity –  darker brews having more than their lighter counterparts – it’s all potentially dangerous to your grin. When large amounts of acid are introduced into the mouth, it begins to wear away the protective layer of tooth enamel. Without this barrier, teeth may become increasingly sensitive and even appear less vibrant and white.

Dingy Discoloration

Enamel erosion is only one potential reason your teeth may be looking a bit discolored. Drinking excessively may also cause your teeth to yellow over time. Dark stouts and porters, along with fruity beers, are the biggest culprits to beer related tooth discoloration. However, the food coloring used in beer on St. Patrick’s Day can also temporarily stain your smile a not-so-lovely shade of green.

Gum Disease

You’ll typically hear us talk about the main causes of gum disease being poor dental hygiene or tobacco use, but those aren’t the only contributors. Drinking alcohol in excess, beer included, leaves your mouth exposed to the loads of sugar found in these types of beverages. When sugar and bacteria unite they form a super sticky film known as plaque. This plaque can be removed through regular brushing, but if you forego brushing, it will harden into tartar. Tartar can block your toothbrush from cleaning all the nooks and crannies, especially along the gum line. This means bacteria is free to do as it pleases, including damaging gums and causing gum disease.   

Reduce The Risk

You can help protect your smile from the side effects of drinking beer by first enjoying it in moderation. Alternating a cup beer with a glass of water will rinse away excess sugars and acid that would otherwise be free to damage teeth. Of course, we also recommend seeing your dentist in Lewisburg twice a year and brushing and flossing every day.

If it’s been awhile since you’ve been to the dentist, or you see some leftover green tint on your teeth following your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, give our dental office in Lewisburg a call to schedule an appointment today.

Welcoming patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, and Williamsport.