this post was submitted on 29 Apr 2024
456 points (98.3% liked)

Showerthoughts

29827 readers
865 users here now

A "Showerthought" is a simple term used to describe the thoughts that pop into your head while you're doing everyday things like taking a shower, driving, or just daydreaming. A showerthought should offer a unique perspective on an ordinary part of life.

Rules

  1. All posts must be showerthoughts
  2. The entire showerthought must be in the title
  3. Avoid politics
    • 3.1) NEW RULE as of 5 Nov 2024, trying it out
    • 3.2) Political posts often end up being circle jerks (not offering unique perspective) or enflaming (too much work for mods).
    • 3.3) Try c/politicaldiscussion, volunteer as a mod here, or start your own community.
  4. Posts must be original/unique
  5. Adhere to Lemmy's Code of Conduct

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] [email protected] 31 points 7 months ago (3 children)

My dentist recommended me a stupid toothpaste called "Pearls & Dents" which also contained literal plastic balls. Such a stupid and corrupt person. I believe Dentists are paid by Elmex in germany too.

[–] Shelbyeileen 8 points 7 months ago (2 children)

They are. I went through pre-med for my postmortem science degree and am still close with my doctor/dentist friends from the program. They get kickbacks from companies if they successfully sell a brand. Sometimes the results are great, like Wakix (my Narcolepsy medication that actually helped), but other times, it's a garbage product. If the medical professional has a fancy pamphlet or offers you coupons for the product, that means the company is paying them.

[–] PrimeMinisterKeyes 4 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

I was once offered a job peddling prescription drugs to GPs on behalf of several manufacturers. These marketing companies are mass-interviewing, you know. And so, there's never a shortage of these hawkers.
Ever wondered why you have to sit in the waiting room for a full hour when your appointment is scheduled at 8? Your doctor is talking to salespeople.

[–] Hotmailer 1 points 7 months ago (2 children)

Do you have you pay for medication in Germany?

[–] Shelbyeileen 1 points 6 months ago

I'm in the USA, where you do pay, but the companies hawk drugs and other products anywhere that they can get approved by the government drug administration

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago

Yesn't.

In short: It depends on what meds and your current situation.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago

I asked my doc if my toothpaste is good. He said the ingredients look sane for tooth care.

spoiler

If someone is in Germany and cares about the brand:
Dental Delight.
My choice of flavor: Polar Punch

That docs can be a bit skewed towards a sponsoring brand is not unlikely though.
I mean every lrofession is suscepticle to it...

[–] ChillPenguin 1 points 7 months ago (3 children)

Genuine question, what's the purpose of putting plastic balls in a tooth paste? Texture or something?

[–] gerbler 8 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Abrasives. Same thing as charcoal. Tiny hard particles help remove gunk when you brush them against something.

[–] ChillPenguin 1 points 7 months ago

Got it, thanks!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 7 months ago

Most toothpaste contains abrasives. Look in the ingredients list on your toothpaste, it's likely silica.

The point of using plastic is because the petrochemical industry makes money if they use plastics.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 7 months ago

Something with cleaning. Bullshit.