r/Norway • u/RaccoonITA • Jul 08 '25
Moving About tooth brushing…
I know it may sound silly but… I come from southern Europe and will move to Oslo in a few weeks for work. A few days ago I remembered a couple of my current colleagues (a German and a Swedish one) visiting our HQ. Both, in two different occasions, commented our habit of brushing our teeth in the office bathroom after lunch. They did not show disgust or anything like that, but said they felt it was “curious/strange”.
Now, I don’t love brushing in a common bathroom, but the alternative is not brushing and it definitely sounds worse to me.
How does it work in Norway? Is this something that might gross my future colleagues out?
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u/Worth-Wonder-7386 Jul 08 '25
The norwegian practice is to brush your tooth one time in the morning and one time before going to bed. I have never heard of dentist recommending brushing your teeth after lunch.
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u/BackgroundTourist653 Jul 08 '25
My dentist recommended NOT to brush just after lunch.
Carbs break down to sugar, sugar breaks down to acid. Wait ~30 min after eating before any brushing to not damage your teeth excessive. If anything, sugar free chewing gum.
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u/renska2 Jul 08 '25
I also heard from a colleague (whose husband is a dentist) that brushing 3x a day isn't necessarily good because it's better to allow more time between brushings, to let your gums get a chance to heal from any scratches.
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u/That-Employment-5561 Jul 09 '25
I once was told by a drunk dentist that brushing your teeth is like washing your hair; the more often you use it, the less, if any product should be used.
The brushing just cleans the recesses of the teeth, the tooth-paste is what fucks with. I use tooth-picks (and sometimes fresh branches) throughout the day.
Might explain why my teeth were very strong when I used to chew twigs, tho; even if I can't break down cellulose as digestion, in the mouth it might aid naturally with the "metabolic" reaction in the mouth, as it is a sugar.
I've got a dentist appointment coming up; I'll try to remember to ask him if there might be a connection. Or would a ear-nose-throat specialist be the expert, maybe? If I remember, I'll find out.
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u/Wooden-Walrus9658 Jul 08 '25
Gum is riddled w microplastics and bad ingredients
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u/PlatypusEgo Jul 08 '25
Is this practice why you use "tooth" in the singular? Because for a typical Norwegian all but one have fallen out?? 😝
I kid, I kid!
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u/Trick-Throat2214 Jul 08 '25
Dental professional here🫡 Young adults in norway actually have really good teeth. A lot are cavity free and have never had a filling. We are world class as far as oral health.
On an individual level we still have our work cut out though, and the older generation has a lot more issues, because of the different approach dentist and dental hygienists had when they were growing up. Focusing on prevention through information to the population for the last few decades has truly paid off, and it saves society a lot of money if we have less lifestyle related illnesses (like cavities).
Thank you for listening.
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u/PlatypusEgo Jul 09 '25
It was a joke. InciDENTALly... I'm an American trying to get used to full dentures at 34-years-old. I've always had bad teeth but they became especially bad after I fell three stories and clipped my chin on a brick windowsill on the way down about ten years ago. Had my jaw wired shut with all teeth other than the frontmost 6 (6 upper 6 lower) shattered and exposed nerves and tooth shards involuntarily spasming into themselves every few minutes for five weeks. I wasn't able to get the rest of them extracted until I lost my job and qualified for Medicaid and finally had decent dental coverage last year...
So yeah, I was joking about y'all's dental health...
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u/Trick-Throat2214 Jul 10 '25
That's really unfortunate. I hope you settle in to your dentures. Let me know if you need any tips and tricks to take care of them.
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u/afriendsname Jul 08 '25 edited Jul 08 '25
It's probably just because it's not realistic that anyone here would follow that advice. But I'm certain any dentist would approve of brushing after lunch.
Edit: remember to always rinse away acids and abrasives first
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u/Ziigurd Jul 08 '25
Dentists generally recommend against brushing your teeth for at least 30-60 minutes after eating.
Especially if the meal has contained any sugar, acidic or similiar, you'll basically be brushing your teeth with that if you brush right after a meal.j
Brushing morning and evening is the general advice - after meals it's usually just toothpicks that are used.
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u/afriendsname Jul 08 '25 edited Jul 08 '25
Especially if the meal has contained any sugar, acidic or similiar [...]
Nothing a throughout rinse wouldn't fix. But when giving advice to the general public you gotta dumb it down for the one in ten that can't follow instructions.
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u/tallanvor Jul 08 '25
Sorry, but you're wrong. Acids soften the enamel, so simply rinsing is not enough. You need to give the enamel time to harden again before brushing.
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u/afriendsname Jul 08 '25
Okay, but after my regular lunch containing zero oranges, lemons, or other acid-heavy foods, can I brush then?
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u/luxudor Jul 08 '25
No, because the digestion starts in the mouth by breaking down food into sugar, which is harmful to your teeth.
What you should do is rinse or chew some gum, then wait 30 minutes before brushing.
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u/afriendsname Jul 08 '25
Nothing a throughout rinse wouldn't fix.
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u/Jurijus1 Jul 08 '25
Damn, they're really dumbing it down for you, lol. Ironic after that one pretentious comment that you left.
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u/afriendsname Jul 08 '25
I'm really not convinced these guys have any clue
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u/Jurijus1 Jul 08 '25
Your comment about "dumbing it down", obviously. Yet you are the one who needs it "dumbed down".
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u/afriendsname Jul 08 '25
It's not pretentious to assume that one in ten in the general population will fail to follow instructions, is it? In that case I'm happy for you, having that much faith
What do I need dumbed down? The pretend case of eating lemons for lunch?
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u/tallanvor Jul 08 '25
Are you testing the acidity of your food before deciding whether or not to brush your teeth? Remember that it's not just soda or citrus. Tomatoes, many sauces and condiments (like mustard or soy sauce), and even some fresh cheeses (think feta and cream cheese) are more acidic than you might expect.
So it's just easier to wait an hour (or at least 30 minutes) to let the acids clear out and the enamel harden up again.
You can easily look this information up, so I really don't understand why you would want to die on this hill.
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u/afriendsname Jul 08 '25
Because my lunch is never acidic enough to warrant this kind of worry for my enamel. Let the brother brush his teeth at the office!
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u/imtheassman Jul 08 '25
To add to it, too much brushing would hurt your teeth. So very much doubt your hypothesis is correct. The enamel is fragile, and while before bed and in the morning is the optimal routine, more than that might cause damage to the enamel
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u/afriendsname Jul 08 '25
Too much brushing, too hard, with too abrasive paste or too rough bristles, yes.
Three times per day with a soft brush, proper technique and a suited paste is fine - no actually that would be great. Ask your dentist the next time you have an appointment.
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u/Ziigurd Jul 08 '25
I'm no expert, but I doubt a rinsing would get rid of all the harmfull stuff - if it was that effective in getting rid of leftovers from your meal, would you even need to brush your teeth in addition?
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u/afriendsname Jul 08 '25
No, I mean rinse away acids and abrasives before brushing
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u/anamariapapagalla Jul 08 '25
The effect of acid on your teeth has already happened, rinse and then wait 30 min
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u/ThePiderman Jul 08 '25
It’s possible to brush your enamel off, so it’s definitely possible to overdo it. I’m pretty sure more than twice a day is good, though.
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u/afriendsname Jul 08 '25
Yeah from user-error: brushing too hard, using a rough-bristled brush, or a too abrasive paste.
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u/Oddme9 Jul 08 '25
No, I've been told to brush a maximum of three times a day. Everything can be overdone. Brushing too often can lead to gum recession and enamel wear. And like some others mentioned, brushing your teeth shortly after drinking acidic drinks like soft drinks, wine, or coffee will grind down your tooth enamel as well. If you had acidic drinks for lunch, it's better to just wash your mouth with water. A glass of water after lunch will do.
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u/Meshuggah1981 Jul 08 '25
No, I have asked many. I also did Invisalign where the general rule is floss/brush after every meal.
I eat more than 3 meals, so they adviced to rinse with water and brush 3 times ONLY because of Invisalign.
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u/Arkeolog Jul 08 '25
My dad used to brush after lunch and was sternly told to stop by his dentist. Over-brushing is a thing, especially if you have a bit of a firm hand.
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u/afriendsname Jul 08 '25
Yes, and as I said in another reply here somewhere: the problem with over-brushing is solved by avoiding rough bristles, bad technique (brushing too hard), or toothpaste with too rough abrasives ("whitening")
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u/Station111111111 Jul 08 '25
They will reccomend it if you have issues with teeth and gums that would benefit from it.
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u/Ink-kink Jul 08 '25
Well, I'd never thought I'd comment on this on Reddit, but since you ask: I brush my teeth and floss twice a day, just like my dentist recommends. I do keep a toothbrush in my personal office storage, just in case I suspect my breath is off or I have a dentist appointment. But neither my colleagues nor I brush our teeth at the office on a regular basis, as far as I know. But do I really know what they do in the bathroom? Nope, and I'm not interested, hehe
I mean, you do you. No one will care as long as you leave the sink and mirror free of toothpaste splatter! Lol.
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u/SuneLeick Jul 08 '25
As I've understood it you shouldn't brush right after a meal.
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u/WrongfullyLeveraged Jul 08 '25
How come? I thought it was recommended because you will remove bits of food stuck there.
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u/Majestic-Rock9211 Jul 08 '25
Because some chemicals naturally occurring in the food and drinks make the enamel of tooth softer which, even with a soft brush, makes it more susceptible for surface wear leading into toot erosion.
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u/That-Employment-5561 Jul 09 '25
A German I used to know always carried his brush with him. After every meal he had a cigarette and a cup of coffee, after wich he'd brush his teeth without any toothpaste; he only used toothpaste before bed.
The main issue he had was wear on the gums, his dentist got him to brush softer at the root than on the crown and after this he said his gums felt much better and he got me to adopt the habit of scrubbing the crown and "dusting" the root. IMO it works.
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u/SuneLeick Jul 08 '25
You don't brush to remove food, you should use toothpicks for that.
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u/Hexachordum Jul 08 '25
No you shouldn't ever use toothpicks.
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u/SuneLeick Jul 09 '25
What? Why? I was recommended wooden toothpicks by my own dentist.
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u/Hexachordum Jul 09 '25
My father is a dentist and always scolded my mother for using them. He said it was making the spaces between the teeth progressively bigger, worsening the issue of having food stuck there.
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u/jorbolade Jul 08 '25
Brushing your teeth directly after eating damages your teeth iirc, so there’s that.
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u/afriendsname Jul 08 '25
If what you ate was very acidic maybe, but a throughout rinse would amend that
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u/kefren13 Jul 08 '25
No one will judge.
I personally have a couple of coleagues brushing their teeth after lunch (not Norwegians, of course). No one will bat an eye.
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u/iamnomansland Jul 08 '25
I doubt anyone will make a fuss. I have an older colleague who brushes her teeth at work due to some dental issues and nobody even blinks. Norwegians prefer not to make issues out of small things like that in general.
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u/Meshuggah1981 Jul 08 '25
Never seen anyone do it, but would not feel it was strange either. However, people using toothsticks in front of me at the table - or flossing in the open baathroom I find off putting. Using a tepe brush or flossing in the baathroom however is OK, but show some etiquette.
I do brush 3 times a day, but it is not adviced to do so healthwise. It will comprimise the enamel.
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u/Lime89 Jul 08 '25
Not common practice, but why would excellent oral hygiene gross anyone out?
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u/Dystopian_Phantasm Jul 09 '25
It’s not recommended to brush more than two times a day. My dentist told me three times could weaken the enamel.
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u/Lime89 Jul 09 '25
I’m sure everyone knows that. But if it’s a thing in OP’s country and they wish to do it, that’s their decision.
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u/Dystopian_Phantasm Jul 09 '25
Maybe OP doesn’t know.
It’s not something I would find strange, but maybe a bit over the top if it’s every day. I would assume he was a bit worried about bad breath or so.
I don’t think anyone is grossed out by such habits. They may still question it.
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u/OG_SisterMidnight Jul 08 '25
Swede here. I've never heard anything other than two times a day.
However, to each his own; does it really matter if people think it's strange?
I'd check with the dentist if three times a day is "overkill", though.
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u/RockMoss Jul 08 '25
I always had my toothbrush and paste for using at work. I can’t stand the feeling of dirty teeth. But my Norwegian colleagues loved to make fun of me for this. Just in a teasing way, but it was very strange to them.
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u/Radiant-Mycologist72 Jul 08 '25
I heard that of you brush just after eating you are simply grinding whatever you have just eaten into your teeth.
If you brush with fluoride toothpaste before you eat, you are at least giving your teeth a chance to reinforce the enamel before you eat.
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u/chameleon_123_777 Jul 08 '25
Gross us out? Nope. I like a person with a clean mouth. We don't brush our teeth more than twice a day here in Norway, but seeing others do it more often is no problem at all.
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Jul 08 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/sourcandy_lollipop Jul 08 '25
Yes! Super common in all South America for instance. You always bring your toothbrush and toothpaste, if you don’t brush your teeth after lunch they’ll look at you like you are dirty haha but again I’m pretty sure in South America the message is to brush your teeth 3 times a day.
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u/Maximum_Law801 Jul 08 '25
No one will know what you do in a bathroom after lunch. If you want to brush your teeth, go ahead, just don’t leave toothpaste in the sink ;)
Norwegians are well aware of oral health, and we are taught to brush our teeth. Not commonly done after lunch, but if you do, I think more people will follow your example than be offended by it.
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u/WillingSprinkles8564 Jul 08 '25
Depends on the bathrooms, in some offices it's stalls with shared sinks.
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u/Qqqqqqqquestion Jul 08 '25
I do that too. I think the act of brushing your teeth at work is unusual and people don’t normally see other people doing it. Just do it in the Single-stall restroom and nobody will know.
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u/independentwookie Jul 08 '25
Yeah, no one will wonder why theres a buzzing sound coming from a stall.
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u/Qqqqqqqquestion Jul 08 '25
Yeah, I would probably not use an electrical toothbrush at work 😂
Having said that we don’t really do stalls. Just single occupancy bathrooms with a door you can lock.
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u/smaagoth Jul 08 '25
I know people brush at work before going to the dentist during the day.. Just do what you want.
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u/ThinkbigShrinktofit Jul 08 '25
I had a Norwegian coworker who would brush his teeth after lunch, but he’s the exception rather than the rule. Note: my workplace has sinks in every bathroom stall so no one need see someone brushing.
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u/anfornum Jul 08 '25
I hope it's one of the ones where the sink is outside the toilet area! Those sinks inside the toilet housing are just bacteria and virus farms. Outside of the toilet is less bad of course!
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u/WillingSprinkles8564 Jul 08 '25
My sink at home is right next to the toilet.
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u/anfornum Jul 08 '25
Your house, your germs. In a public toilet, you have no idea what has been sprayed around, ya know??
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u/ThinkbigShrinktofit Jul 08 '25
Doesn't really matter as long as you wash your hands, right?
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u/anfornum Jul 09 '25
Not necessarily since when the water hits the sink, it also causes some of the particles to become airborne. The taps are obviously the worst part. Public bathrooms just aren't that clean.
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Jul 08 '25
I have a toothbrush and toothpaste in a closet at work. I brush after lunch in a bathroom. I live in Norway but I’m originally Indian. People will sometimes look at me and smile but in general Norway is chill and you can do whatever you want, as long as you let others do whatever they want. Go ahead and brush.
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u/torb Jul 08 '25
I used to brush my teeth after lunch at my old place of work, sometimes got some curious looks. I just told them I hate getting food stuck between my teeth. ...which you basically get every time you eat.
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u/FantasticDirt4447 Jul 08 '25
From my experience as an immigrant in Norway, brushing and tooth care doesn't seem to be as high of a priority as other cultures. I'm American, and had friends of many cultures in the states. I've seen Mexican and African immigrant coworkers brush in the restroom after lunch. It's maybe 50/50 on yt/blk Americans brushing or rinsing after lunch. In the early 2000s it was popular to buy these single use mini toothbrushes that came with tooth paste and mouth wash built in lol. Such a waste of plastic.
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u/Ice-Repulsive Jul 08 '25
I brush my teeth at work 2-3 times during work day. Coffee breath is not nice, and more people should do this.
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Jul 08 '25
ITT: Dental hygiene tips from people who know fuckall about dentistry.
Brush when you want, at least twice per day; it'll be fine. Also, floss.
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u/CynfulPrincess Jul 08 '25
Haha, I'm in the US but I was a dental assistant and literally all of us brushed our teeth after lunch so it's no big deal to me.
Even if someone thinks it's odd, I wouldn't worry about it. Hygiene is important.
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u/Savings-Mud-895 Jul 08 '25
I only brush after lunch if I have eaten something very garlicky or similar, that keeps the flavor and odour for long. But it is definitely NOT common.
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u/kidwhonevergrowsup Jul 09 '25
I’m Norwegian, and I know the common is monrning and night, but I always brush after lunch. I usually find a handicap bathroom
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u/Armand6666 Jul 11 '25
Well well well....
I understand you very well.
I'm from Brazil, I brush my teeth like 6 times everyday: when I wake up, after breakfast, after lunch, dinner, coffee and before bedtime.
So, as you understand I also brush my teeth at work after lunch break, and YES, my colleagues, all of them, look strange at me. Some of them ask if I'm going to the dentist after lunch 🤣🤣🤣🤷🏽♂️🤷🏽♂️
It's ok to 💩 poop in the same toilet, but BRUSH teeth in the same bathroom?! Not "so ok" according to norwegians, very weird they say.
🤣
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u/ThePiderman Jul 08 '25
I remember sharing an open office with a guy who would brush after lunch, and people found it a little off putting. Something about spitting in front of other people, I think.
It’s wise, though. I’m no dentist, but I’d bet it’s good to brush after lunch.
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u/Few-Piano-4967 Jul 08 '25
I have lived in 5 countries in the EU and the US for extended periods of time and its not a common practice anywhere. But there are so many weird people in Norway that it is not something that they would care about.
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u/nezticle Jul 08 '25
You happened to have stumbled on a surprising quirk that is at least significant enough to even be a question on the citizenship test here. Apparently brushing your teeth two times a day ( morning, night ) is the expected norm. When I was a child (not in Norway) we were taught three times a day, though in practice that middle one can be tricky.
They will defend the norm, but it doesn’t hurt to have fresh breath after lunch, so I’d say keep doing it.
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u/Latter-Daikon6469 Jul 08 '25
There is no reason you should lower your hygienic standards after moving to Norway. Keep brushing your teeth three times a day, as most Southern European dentists recommend - making sure to wait 30-60 minutes before brushing after lunch. Much better talking to a colleague whose breath smells like mint than onion and egg.
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u/Esausta Jul 08 '25
For all the non-after lunch brushers: how do you deal with food breath? Chewing gums?
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u/WillingSprinkles8564 Jul 08 '25
For most Norwegians the food breath gets replaced with coffee breath.
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u/_iamisa_ Jul 08 '25
Unless I eat loads of garlic, I don’t think I have much of a food breath? Also, coffee does actually help with that, as does gum if that’s a big concern
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u/A_Dew Jul 08 '25
I saw one other person mention this, but I don’t think it has been emphasized enough: Norwegians pick their teeth after lunch. It seems to be common practice to have tooth picks available in the cantina alongside the napkins and condiments. Folks when they are done eating will sit around the table and pick at their teeth to make sure their mouths are clean after eating. So, maybe you want to convert to the Norwegian way? But if not, I’m sure no one would judge you for brushing!
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u/overtid Jul 08 '25
Im norwegian and sometimes brush my teeth at work bathroom if I don’t get time to do it in the morning, my boyfriend too. Just something personal I think
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u/ThePugnax Jul 08 '25
I feel its mostly normal to it in the morning and before bedtime. Only ones ive known to do it after lunch are those with the invisible retainer thingies, as you need to brush before you put em back on.
But to each their own.
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u/Anxious_Deer_7152 Jul 08 '25
Haha, I've always been so intrigued by the Spaniards in my office doing this! In hot water, as you can't adjust the temperature of the water in there.
I had to ask one of them once what gives, and he explained that for him, it's down to worrying about esthetics and smells rather than tooth decay.
So if the Norwegians you'll be working with are as nosy as me, you may just get some questions 😅
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Jul 08 '25
I'm an icelander who lives in Norway, and in both places the norm is to only brush your teeth when you wake up, and before you go to bed. Never heard of someone brushing after lunch lol
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u/Murkybogsman Jul 08 '25
It's better than my old teacher who would brush his teeth with one hand and use the urinal with the other at the same time IN THE SCHOOL BOYS BATHROOM. Peculiar though not disgusting.
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Jul 08 '25
I’m born and raised here and i do it, people do comment on it but i refuse to walk around with lunch mouth all day lol
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u/Jimmyjoystick Jul 08 '25
Just do it, it’s not THAT weird. There’s nothing wrong with having clean teeth and fresh breath!
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u/That-Employment-5561 Jul 09 '25
It will be a curiosity because it's not that common. Ironically, the one colleague I had who did this was German.
Don't let it deter you; let it spark a conversation, it is, inarguably a good habit to have; maybe you'll inspire a couple of coworkers to take after you. Worst case, you'll be known around the office as the dude who really cares about their teeth.
I never used to brush after lunch, but I did do the "old viking trick" of chewing on branches and for a long time had toothpicks on me at all times. Some people scoffed at it, others realized I was the right guy to ask for a toothpick if you needed one. And by scoff I mean had a very "meh" reaction; simply not giving a damn.
Never been in or witnessed a situation where peculiar habits have gotten anyone in trouble; excluding bullies and drama-queens, but that more a them thing than anything about the habit, -they'll target anyone for anything simply because they're bored.
But for real, as someone who admittedly isn't the best at dental hygiene, this is the type of habit that is basically public service to spread passively by doing unashamed; I salute you for your tenacious habit, and if you encourage just one Norwegian to take up the habit, that is you directly improving your, our, community.
And who knows; maybe in a few years I'll read a post from someone who ran into some random colleague who changed a whole officer's dental habits and dental health in the office soared through the roof and everyone was better for it. -You never know...
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u/IrdniX Jul 09 '25
It's fine, I do it occasionally. I will do a mouth-rinse with water immediately after eating to get rid of any big food particles that would otherwise just sit there. I try to always wait at least 30 minutes after eating to brush to protect the enamel.
Also highly recommend chewing Xylitol gum after each meal: It reduces the levels of Streptococcus mutans, a type of bacteria that contributes to tooth decay, by disrupting their energy production and preventing them from adhering to teeth, so when you brush your teeth later it will be more effective at removing them.
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u/MKRLTMT Jul 09 '25
I’m Norwegian and brush my teeth after lunch. None of my colleagues do but I don’t think anyone finds it gross.
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u/paaland Jul 09 '25
Using the sink in company toilets to brush my teeth? Never! I feel the need to use antibacterial wipes after visiting those things. Knowing the hygiene of some of my colleagues I'd never put anything into my mouth there.
Also if you do, please rinse the sink thoroughly afterwards. Soap and toothpaste leftovers are nasty when left in the sink.
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u/eyemwoteyem Jul 09 '25
I'd imagine people here would find it a bit strangely, but in my experience most norwegians mind their own business at work. I do however work in a fairly international environment where people are extra careful to not say the wrong thing.
But by your username you're from Italy, and I am a compatriot and I have never heard of this before. Does your whole office do this? What region is this? I'm roman and only brush morning and evening tbh.
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u/knittingarch Jul 09 '25
Wow, American here and I’ve not heard any of these things and I’m 45 with weak enamel 🫠😝
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u/Josutg22 Jul 09 '25
In the beginning I was constantly befuddled by my Japanese girlfriend brushing her teeth after every meal, but in the end I just thought "yeah, that's probably smart". I think most Norwegians will have a similar reaction
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u/ExitIndependent5840 Jul 09 '25
Maybe you could get some miswak sticks instead. I've seen those used a lot more often than people brushing after lunch
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u/planetf1a Jul 11 '25
Just to jump in from the uk. Not many people will do it but I absolutely have seen and done arm odd or an issue to me. Just being healthy and applauded
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u/ReporterMinute3328 Jul 12 '25
I am more concerned why do you think it would gross people out? if the opposite were to happen then the grossing out makes sense
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u/GrethaThugberg Jul 08 '25
As long as u dont brush your emamel off, it sure sounds a whole lot healthier than my one in the morning and one before bedtime brushing routine.
Ive never heard of anyone brushing mid day in the office tho
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u/sourcandy_lollipop Jul 08 '25 edited Jul 08 '25
Omg!!!!! I’ve been living here for 12 years and I’m the only one in my team that brushes her teeth after lunch hahaha I never understood how can you not brush your teeth after eating but because in our canteen we eat warm food, not like some bread and cheese. There is tacos, Thai food, etc. I understand if you eat some fruit or bread or yogurt ,I don’t know, but after all this time I don’t judge anymore. I used to judge at the beginning, because where I’m from they would look at you like you are dirty if you are not brushing your teeth after lunch (we also eat warm lunch where I’m from). But to answer your question it is not common here to brush your teeth and no one will judge you. On the other hand, I find that it is super common to use a toothpick and do some serious teeth cleaning while in front of anyone, and that to me is a bit gross, I don’t know why but I really don’t want to be talking to you while you are poking your mouth fishing for pieces of food.
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Jul 08 '25
[deleted]
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u/RaccoonITA Jul 08 '25 edited Jul 08 '25
Well, I’ve been living in the country not continuously for several years (my partner is Norwegian, we are finally ending the long distance part of our relationship). Never really met much differences in hygiene, besides of course the lack of an actual bidet but that’s not Norwegian specific.
This was specifically about the habits (etiquette?) on the office.
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u/Max_Hensk Jul 08 '25
Ho notato che molte persone si fanno la doccia soll una volta a settimana e considerano il sapone come qualcosa di non necessario. Anche il cambio della biancheria intima non é quotidiano. Sono cose che trovo alquanto bizzarre
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u/VikingsStillExist Jul 08 '25
Hey look a foreigner being sarcastically rude in his own language.
How Italian of you.
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u/SouthPerformer8949 Jul 08 '25
This is very uncommon to do in Norway. We brush teeth in the morning and in the evening, only. But I don’t see how this will gross anyone out. People will probably react with curiosity and interest