Dentist: "When's the last time you flossed?"
Man: "Don't you remember? You were there."
Okay, here’s my attempt at a “Joke Poo” version:
Joke Poo: The Dog Walker’s Dilemma
A dog walker is staring intently at a fresh pile of dog poop on the sidewalk. A nearby sanitation worker approaches him.
Sanitation Worker: “Having a bit of a hard time there, mate?”
Dog Walker: “You wouldn’t BELIEVE it. When was the last time this dog ate grass?”
Sanitation Worker: “Mate, you really don’t remember? You were the one feeding him the salad last Tuesday!”
Alright, let’s floss our way through this joke.
Analysis of the Original Joke:
- Setup: The dentist asks a standard, almost accusatory, question about flossing habits. This immediately sets up an imbalance of power – the professional scrutinizing the patient.
- Punchline: The man’s response is a sharp, witty reversal. He implies that he only flosses at the dentist’s office, highlighting the absurdity of only performing dental hygiene when being examined. The humor comes from the unexpected honesty and the implied laziness.
- Key Elements: Dentist, flossing, patient, doctor-patient relationship, procrastination/avoidance of responsibility, honesty (albeit sarcastic).
Comedic Enrichment & New Joke:
Let’s focus on the element of flossing and the historical shift in dental recommendations.
Did you know: For years, flossing was heavily recommended by dentists and organizations like the American Dental Association. However, a 2016 investigation by the Associated Press found that there was little scientific evidence to support the claim that flossing was effective in preventing cavities and gum disease. The U.S. government even quietly removed the recommendation from its dietary guidelines. While many dentists still advise flossing (perhaps due to habit or anecdotal evidence), the scientific community is more nuanced.
New Joke Exploiting This Knowledge:
A man is sitting in the dentist’s chair, looking nervous.
Dentist: “Alright, let’s talk about flossing. Be honest, how often do you really floss?”
Man: “Well, if you’re asking based on the actual peer-reviewed data, barely at all. But if you’re asking because you’re obligated to mention it as part of some legacy professional recommendation… then, religiously!”