Koreans have some unique dental hygiene habits compared to other cultures. One of the most noticeable is brushing their teeth after every meal. This practice stems from cultural values around cleanliness and hygiene.
Why do Koreans brush after every meal?
There are a few key reasons why brushing after meals is so common in Korea:
- Removing food debris – Koreans view leftover food particles as unclean. Brushing cleans the teeth and mouth thoroughly after eating.
- Freshening breath – Having fresh breath is considered polite and respectful in social interactions.
- Habit – Brushing after eating is ingrained from a young age as a hygiene habit.
- Preventing decay – Frequent brushing can help prevent cavities and tooth decay.
Oral health is highly prioritized in Korean culture. Brushing after meals is seen as basic dental hygiene. Parents teach children to brush after nursery rhymes about brushing. It becomes an automatic habit.
When do Koreans brush their teeth?
Koreans typically brush their teeth:
- Right after eating breakfast in the morning
- After lunch
- After dinner
- Before bedtime
So most Koreans brush at least 3-4 times per day. Some also brush after snacking or drinking something besides water.
Do all Koreans follow this custom?
The majority of Koreans brush after meals and view it as proper hygiene. But not everyone follows this habit strictly, especially among younger generations. Some Koreans report:
- Brushing 2-3 times per day rather than after every meal
- Only brushing in the morning and evening
- Occasionally skipping brushing if in a rush
While frequent brushing is ingrained in Korean culture, not every single person brushes after every single snack or drink. Some Koreans privately admit they don’t follow the toothbrushing rule that strictly, but see it as an ideal hygiene habit.
What do Koreans use for brushing?
Koreans use toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other dental hygiene tools to brush their teeth:
- Toothbrushes – Both manual and electric toothbrushes are used. Electric brushes are becoming more popular.
- Toothpaste – Regular fluoride toothpaste is used. Some brands contain Korean herbs.
- Tongue scrapers – Scraping the tongue is considered important for fresh breath.
- Mouthwash – Mouth rinses are used for freshening breath after meals.
- Floss – While not as widely used as in Western cultures, flossing is catching on.
Good oral hygiene is a priority, so Korean brands market a wide array of brushing tools and toothpastes.
How does this habit impact dental health?
Brushing after every meal may provide oral health benefits for Koreans such as:
- Lower cavities – Food is cleared away before it can damage enamel.
- Less plaque – Frequent brushing can reduce plaque buildup.
- Healthier gums – Brushing gently massages the gums.
- Reduced bad breath – Brushing and scraping the tongue limits odor causing bacteria.
However, there are some risks of over-brushing such as:
- Tooth enamel damage – Too much abrasive brushing can thin and wear down enamel over time.
- Gum recession – Aggressive brushing can push gums down, exposing sensitive tooth roots.
- Increased staining – Some enamel may get brushed away, allowing stains to penetrate better.
Dentists advise using a soft-bristled brush and gentle motion to avoid excessive wear. Proper brushing technique is key for oral health.
Dental Health Stats
| Dental Health Factor | Korea | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Average number of teeth lost by age 35 | 0.5 | 1.5 |
| Rate of edentulism (complete tooth loss) among seniors | 9% | 16% |
| Dental caries (cavities) in permanent teeth | 22% | 46% |
Sources: WHO, OECD
Conclusion
Brushing teeth after eating is a common practice in Korea due to cultural values around dental hygiene and cleanliness. While not universally followed by all Koreans today, it remains an ingrained habit from childhood. Frequent brushing may benefit oral health if done carefully to avoid over-brushing. Koreans take pride in their dental care customs and largely enjoy better dental health outcomes than populations in many other countries.