Your dental appointments can be pleasant—or even enjoyable! When you keep the mood light and fun, visiting the dentist doesn’t have to feel like a heavy chore or a scary experience.

Dentistry Jokes to Try Out

Here are some of our favorite jokes that you can share at your next checkup! They’ll have everyone smiling and having a good time:

• What did the dentist say to the tooth as he left the room? “I’ll fill you in when I get back.”

• What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear

• What is the dentist’s favorite dinosaur? A floss-iraptor

• How did the patient find the dentist’s office? By word-of-mouth

• What do dentists call the X-rays they take of a patient’s teeth? Tooth pics

• What did the dentist say about his teeth when Tiger Woods came in for a checkup? “You have a hole in one”

• What award did the dentist win? A little plaque

• What do tuba players use to brush their teeth? A tuba toothpaste

How Humor Can Make Your Appointment Better

Some (i.e., most) of these jokes are pretty silly and childish, but you’d be surprised how a little joke can change your experience in the dentist’s chair. Especially if you’re going in for a complex procedure, such as dental implant placement or a root canal, you may feel nervous. Making an innocent joke or two can help you relax, smile, and connect with your dentist on a personal level. As a result, you can have more peace of mind going into treatment.

Other Options to Reduce Stress

For patients who suffer from more severe dental anxiety or just need a little extra help to relax, sedation dentistry can improve your experience. One option is called laughing gas! If you think you would benefit from sedation, just talk to your dentist before your appointment, and they can make sure you’re completely comfortable for your visit.