E-TIDBIT OF THE DAY: Toothbrushing on the go!

TOOTHBRUSHING while out and about is part of Brazilian culture. Most Brazilians carry a toothbrush to brush their teeth after lunch at work or when on an outing away from home for the day. It is a practice that Americans don't have. 

Americans who see a Brazilian brushing their teeth in a restroom, think it strange, to say the least. Brazilians who travel to the United States and who are seen brushing their teeth in a restroom, have told me they have received strange or puzzled looks from Americans. I admit that I reacted the same way when I began seeing Brazilians brushing their teeth in restrooms here in Brazil.

But, my fellow Americans and Canadians...what's all the fuss?!? When you think about it, how hygienic is brushing your teeth after meals eaten out? Very oral hygienic!! So, I ask my countrymen again: What's the problem? We need to brush our teeth more than just once or twice a day. One thing I can't stand is grungy-feeling teeth, even for a few minutes, let alone several hours! Plus, poppin' a breath mint, is not gonna get your teeth clean! After a few years living in Brazil, I not only started carrying a toothbrush, but also dental floss! Doctors say that a clean mouth helps to keep our bodies healthy!

                                           

Well, it's a question of customs related to culture. I'm American, a dentist's daughter, and I think it's a great idea to carry a toothbrush while away from home. Here's a little tip: You should floss correctly (ask your dentist how) before brushing; you must have a good toothbrush (not hard and not too soft - medium is the best) and a proper brushing technique - little pressure and brush with a small circular motion for at least 3 minutes (ask your dentist who can show you). When your toothbrush's bristles start fraying outwardly like a "Y", it's way overdue for a new one. You should have two of two different colors (three, if you decide to carry one with you), and use them alternately. 

There you have it! Think about how much sense it makes to carry and use a toothbrush while at work, the Brazilian way. Does your country have this custom? Let me know! Send a comment.

Congratulations! You are that much closer to speaking excellent American English!

E-TIDBIT OF THE DAY: Toilet Paper doesn't belong in the toilet?!?!

TOILET PAPER in Brazil does NOT belong in the toilet, in most places. So, you ask: Where then does it belong after used? Well, there is a logical explanation for why Brazilians put used toilet paper (hereafter referred to as T.P.) somewhere other than the toilet. 

Now, before we continue this conversation, please keep an open mind! Many might be shocked when they hear this. In Brazil, the toilet water pressure when flushing is not strong in many homes nor businesses. So, to keep from clogging the toilet, you will sometimes see a sign on the wall behind the thone (as we often call it in the USA), instructing visitors and reminding Brazilians to please put the toilet paper in the wastebasket (the sign is usually written in Portuguese). 

Americans think that is nasty, to say the least. We are not accustomed to this practice. Those of my homeland are very happy when we are able to live in an apartment building in Brazil, because the water pressure must be stronger to flush everything down the toilet including TP. I have been doing this for years and the toilet has never failed to get rid of TP...and no stopping up the toilet! What can be really nasty is when the toilet gets backed up, meaning it can start to overflow. 

                                                                                   Video: Personal Archives

                                                
        

Well, anyway...enough of talking about toilet life! I think you now understand the reason why TP doesn't belong in the toilet, but in the wastebasket beside the toilet...in Brazil. Now, should you ever visit Brazil and find no wastebasket in the restroom, well, just do the logical thing and put the TP in the toilet, and hope you don't need a plunger, because you won't find that in the restroom, either. You might wanna hold onto the flusher mechanism for a few seconds just to make sure.

Oh! By the way, you may have noticed that there are a couple of phrasal verbs in bold italics in this cultural lesson that have been used. Don't worry! I'll explain them in the next few posts, just in case you didn't quite understand their meaning or when to use them.

Congratulations! You are that much closer to speaking excellent American English!