What is the purpose of teeth? The principle function of teeth is to bite and/or chew food. To be able to eat and sustain yourself is a type of power. Consider those without teeth: they tend to be weak or in weakened states, such as infants, the elderly, the diseased or addicted.

Animals, including those of some human cultures, bare their teeth to show aggression and to bite as a means of attack or defense.

Public image
Yet, humans show their teeth in wide smiles to show friendliness. Studies show that people perceive those who show their teeth while smiling are more trustworthy. But this is only a perception and that is why teeth as dream symbols reflect one’s public image.

Common teeth symbol meanings

Losing your teeth. Feeling helpless, powerless, overwhelmed.
Baring your teeth Dreamer is preparing to defend or attack. Seeing someone else bare his teeth is a warning.
Being toothless. The toothless person is weak or vulnerable.
Having your teeth pulled. Losing your power or positive public image to someone or something.
Broken or chipped teeth. Public image is tarnished or in question.
Decayed teeth. Your power is being diminished. This could be in the areas of health, business, finances or society. People fighting disease or suffering business losses often dream of decayed teeth.
Braces on teeth You are being groomed or trained. You may be feeling constricted now but this stage will have positive results.
Seeing your teeth as fangs. You are a threat or a drain to someone. Or vice versa, if someone is biting you with fangs.
Biting someone. Something you are doing or saying is hurting another person. You may be reacting in a childish, forceful manner in a particular situation.
Being bitten. Dreamer is feeling threatened or pressured.

Teeth idioms to consider

“Biting off more than you can chew.” (overwhelmed)
“No skin off my teeth.” (not personally affected)
“An eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth.” (revenge)
“It’s like pulling teeth.” (difficulty)
“Armed to the teeth.” (prepared for a fight)

About animal teeth

When interpreting animal teeth, consider the type of animal first. Shark teeth, for example, will project a different meaning than bat fangs. Look up the individual symbols for the animal.

Wearing animal teeth as a necklace. Feeling protected.
Finding animal teeth. Developing new traits, skills or powers.
Yanking out an animal’s teeth. Overcoming an adversary’s threat.