Brushing Teeth with 'Chika Chika' in Restaurants Where Others Are Eating... Why Is This Real?

A Man Brushing His Teeth in Anger Inside a Restaurant
"Lost Appetite Because of the Brushing Sound"
Netizens Debate "Heartless" vs "None of Your Business"

A witness account has sparked heated debate among netizens after a man was seen taking out a toothbrush and brushing his teeth inside a restaurant while everyone else was eating.

A customer brushing their teeth inside the restaurant. All the other tables are occupied by diners.
[Photo by Online Community Archive]

On the 23rd, a post titled "A person brushing their teeth inside a restaurant" was uploaded to an online community. The author, Mr. A, began by saying, "I hope Mr. B, the male customer who brushed his teeth inside the restaurant, sees this post."

Mr. A explained the situation: "I was enjoying my meal inside the restaurant when Mr. B and his party entered, looking at the menu and deciding what to eat. Suddenly, Mr. B started brushing his teeth inside the restaurant." He added, "The restaurant should be filled with the delicious aroma of food, but Mr. B’s absurdly loud brushing sound ruined my appetite."

Mr. A also expressed, "I want to live in a society that respects public morals and common sense," and added, "I hope Mr. B realizes the importance of public etiquette as soon as possible."

Netizens who read the story responded negatively with comments such as, "He probably never learned public manners," "My appetite just dropped," "It’s a new kind of diet method," "Why brush before eating instead of after?" "The owner would be justified no matter what they say," "Ridiculous story," and "Since he didn’t think to go to the restroom, it might have been intentional."

On the other hand, some netizens reacted differently, saying, "People are too interested in others’ business," "How strong could the toothpaste smell be?" "My appetite didn’t drop; this seems exaggerated," and "Brushing before eating is also possible."

The controversy over brushing teeth inside restaurants is not new. In 2020, a post titled "Do you understand customers brushing their teeth in restaurants?" attracted attention. The author, Mr. C, a self-employed business owner, said, "My store is a small place less than 10 pyeong (approx. 33 square meters) with only four tables. But a customer suddenly brushed their teeth inside the restaurant, which was very absurd." The story sparked netizen comments such as, "Did they sell dining etiquette?" "Just hearing about it ruins my appetite," and "I heard it’s proper to brush your teeth in the restroom wherever you are."