In Artemidorus's Oneirocritica, teeth in dreams represented relatives, members of the household, or valuable possessions. Front teeth represented close family members, while molars symbolized distant relatives or property. Consequently, teeth falling out, rotting, or being pulled was classically interpreted as predicting the illness, departure, or death of a family member, or a major loss of wealth.

Across diverse European, Middle Eastern, and Asian folklore, dreaming of losing teeth is almost universally regarded as a highly negative omen. It is traditionally believed to warn of the imminent illness or passing of a close relative, or a severe, sudden blow to the dreamer's financial stability and reputation in the community.

Symbolically, teeth represent strength, survival, and the ability to feed oneself and assert boundaries (having 'bite'). Losing teeth symbolizes a loss of personal power, feelings of helplessness, or compromised self-defense. However, because we naturally lose our baby teeth during childhood, it can also symbolize growth, maturity, and a transition into a new phase of life.