I am 16 years old and I have just recently moved to Hobart, T.A.S. I have had 3 dreams about the same thing since we’ve been here. I dreamed that my teeth were falling out and that they were floating around in my mouth. I could feel them as if it was really happening. It didn’t hurt or anything and I was thinking to myself, “How embarrasing, I can’t go around like this.”

The dream changes each time and it builds up into an easier explanation. The first time,about 5 or 6 teeth came out and they were in my mouth floating around. The second time about 1 or 2 came out and the rest were wobbly. The third time, some teeth at the front were being pushed down by pointy ones.

Long before I had these dreams, my mum had dreamed that her teeth came out. Could you please tell me what this means?

- Ruth, Age 16, Hobart, TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA

Hi Ruth -

Welcome to one of the most common - and puzzling - dreams that people have: teeth falling out. Even your mom has had this dream. When you asked her, she told you that she’d had the same dream - a long time ago.

“Teeth falling out” dreams usually indicate that we are concerned about our appearance. Like you said in your dream report, you felt embarrassed when you noticed your teeth were loose. “How embarrassing,” you thought. “I can’t go around like this.”

It is significant that your dreams started once you moved to Hobart. Right now, you are the “new kid in town,” and we all know what that’s like. I bet you feel like everyone is staring at you - because - well - they are! You’re new and they are curious about you!

It’s a good sign that your teeth improve in each dream that you have. This indicates that you’re getting used to being new in town - and that everyone else is getting used to you! I don’t think you feel so self-conscious anymore. Pretty soon (in your dreams and in your real life) I bet you’ll be flashing that big smile of yours to all your new friends!

Dream Doctor says: “Let’em see your teeth!”