Use of humor to reduce stress and pain and enhance healing in the dental setting.

Laughter and humor are not beneficial for everyone, but since there are no negative side effects, they should be used in the dental setting to help reduce stress and pain and to improve healing. Here's a parting medical joke. A bout of stomach trouble had sent a man to the physician. The physician prescribed plenty of milk and gave the man a bottle of pills. "I'll stop by this evening and see how you're doing", the physician said. "In the meantime, drink at least four glasses of milk. Milk is the ticket for curing your trouble. So drink plenty of it". That evening, the physician returned, examined the man and told him, "You're much better this evening. Just be sure you don't drink any milk. Not one glass. It's not for you". "But, doctor", the man exclaimed, "only this morning you told me that milk was what I needed and that I should drink four glasses of it". "Well, what do you know?" the physician replied. "It certainly goes to show that we've made tremendous progress in medicine since the last time I saw you".