Brushing your teeth, Korea-style

Dear toothbrush users:

One would think that brushing your teeth is done the same way around the world. Koreans, however, have amused me with their odd toothbrush habits and obsession with brushing their teeth. If you find that you're becoming obsessed, perhaps you too are assimilating into the Korean culture faster than you expected!

Everyday after lunch, the bathrooms crowd with students and teachers fighting for a sink to brush their teeth. Back home, I don't think I once saw someone brush their teeth after lunch, despite dentists saying that brushing 2-3 times per day is acceptable. I guess they opt for the 3! 

Yet, why is it that so much of their toothpaste actually has sugar in it?! I don't understand. If so many Koreans believe so strongly in oral hygiene, why would they put sugar in it? A toothpaste company conspiracy to have them buying more toothpaste and scrubbing more often to deal with the cavities? Splurging at the foreign food mart is worth it when you can get your Colgate or Crest, sans sucre. 

Why am I addressing you toothbrush users today in particular? Well, I've been in 2 random conversations just today within the course of a couple hours... and both about toothbrushes: 

In one of my classes this morning, I told them to take out their pens and I was beside one student and he pulls out a toothbrush. I look at him and he looks at me for a second and we both just started laughing. It was one of those random hilarious “you gotta be there” moments. I love how students will forget to bring a pen to class, but they will NEVER forget their toothbrush. 

Then, in the afternoon, I had such a funny conversation in the hallway with an older male English teacher (I often do have odd conversations because of the language barrier). Yes, I may be a foreigner, but toothbrushes are not foreign to me. I know what a toothbrush is and yes, I know it is good to brush your teeth. 

Mr. Kang: Hello Leana! (walks up to me all the way from the end of the hallway)

Me: Hello!

Mr. Kang: Do you see this? (holds up a toothbrush)

Me: Yes…

Mr. Kang: Toothbrush. Paste.

Me: Yes (awkward smile)

Mr. Kang: You know it?

Me: Yes, toothbrush with toothpaste.

Mr. Kang: It is good, brush. Do you agree?

Me: Yes, I agree. It is healthy. It is good to brush your teeth.

Mr. Kang: You brush teeth? (brief pause) I get you a toothbrush. Come.

Me: No thank you, I have one (point upstairs).

Mr. Kang: Really?? Ok. (surprised look) Bye Leana.

Me: Have a nice day! (crack up laughing as I walk away)

And thus ends my letter to you toothbrush users. I may be a teacher, but I'm learning every day. Lessons of the day for us? 

1. Brushing your teeth is good.

2. Sugary toothpaste is not.

3. Carrying a toothbrush with me might make me look less like a foreigner here.

Until next time,

~Leana