Picking Teeth At Dinner - Should You Or Shouldn't You?

Toothpicks are on the table. So it must be ok to use them, right?

Hm. It depends how. the French pick their teeth at the table - however, they shield their mouth from view behind a cupped left hand.

The Japanese do something similar with their hand, cupping a hand over their mouth when laughing. Why? Presumably so you do not see inside an open mouth, the tongue, the teeth, the fillings in their teeth.

You might feel that you would like to pick your teeth, but not with your dining companion, such as on a romantic date, or with a boss, or client, or with a group.

Another option is to take the toothpick and retire to the washroom.

Author
Angela lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker. Please share