I am about to reveal one of my deep, dark secrets. I have a certain fear that I have carried from childhood into adulthood. I have even had nightmares that this fear has indeed come true, only to wake up in a cold sweat, feel my mouth, and sigh in relief! My secret fear that has haunted me all these years?

...that all of my teeth will fall out!

I have no idea where this fear came from. But let's explore first why this fear is totally irrational.

*I have never even had so much as a cavity! All of my teeth are just fine.

*I never had to wear braces, retainer, anything.

*I even still have all my wisdom teeth.

*Look at these pearly whites! They're not going anywhere!

Next, here are a few reasons I may have picked up this fear along the way.

*I have a dentist in the family. No matter what you do, the "dentist family member" will always say to a child, "Let me see those teeth!" Next, the child will have to open her mouth wide while they extol the virtues of brushing your teeth and avoiding sweets. Not that this exchange is a bad thing. It only becomes a problem when the child develops into a neurotic adult.

*I am terrified of pain, and all I remember about my mom getting fillings was that it HURT!

*I am the only one in my immediate family who has never had a cavity. It has to be my turn sometime, right?

So let's review. I have never had any problems with my teeth, yet deep down, I am sure that one day I will wake up and my teeth will begin falling out, one by one. Makes sense, doesn't it?

Do you have any irrational fears that are always in the back of your mind, despite the lack of any evidence of the impending doom?