by Becky E. Colgate Smile
Member since:
March 13, 2008

Friends don't let friends talk with spinach in their teeth.

April 10, 2008 11:06 AM EDT
views: 169 | rating: 10/10 (22 votes) | comments: 24

We've all been there. The dreaded "Oh my gosh, how long has that been stuck in my teeth?" moments. As embarrassing as it is to realize that I've been flashing a chunk of lunch in my teeth all day, it's almost just as awkward for me to tell someone when they have food in their teeth.

TELL US:  Any advice on how to politely tell someone they have something stuck in their teeth?
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Comments: 24

Bridget ♥ Apr 10, 2008, 11:36am EDT
It is awkward to tell someone. I can tell my family and friends but I could never tell a stranger! LOL!
Bill's Spirit Apr 10, 2008, 11:39am EDT
Yes, I would tell them; as politely and discreetly as possible.
John Philipp Apr 10, 2008, 11:40am EDT
I would make eye contact and then look down and rub my teeth ... after I had snapped a photo with my cell phone.

Wait, that's a better idea. Snap the photo and show them!
Adam Peck Apr 10, 2008, 11:41am EDT
I would try to hint at it by checking my own teeth in a mirror.
Peter Joseph Swanson Apr 10, 2008, 11:42am EDT
I'd tell anybody and it wouldn't be any big deal for me. Who cares. It happens. It's very rude NOT to point things like that out.
I don't care enough to tell people....heck when our new neighbors moved in they did not know that their mail box was a block away, around the corner....They went and bought a box and stuck it on their front lawn and checked it every day for a week , before I told them where their mail box was....I mean come on..they see that NO ONE has a mail box in front of their house....they are all congragated together on the main road.....dummies.
sheila ~the hapless housewife~ j. Apr 10, 2008, 12:03pm EDT
I'll tell friends and strangers. With friends I'm blunt-
"Go get the gunk out of your teeth!"

With strangers I'm a little more polite-
"Hi, I thought I'd mention to you that you have a little something stuck in your teeth. I'm not trying to be rude (with a smile and little laugh) but I know I would want someone to tell me."
Elsie Duggan Apr 10, 2008, 12:50pm EDT
I have done this, I appreciate it when someone tells me, so I just simply say, there is something stuck on your tooth and they usually appreciate it, and wipe it away. I usually check my teeth with a mirror after I have eaten in a restaurant, I am so vain, lol.
Jennifer F. Apr 10, 2008, 12:57pm EDT
I would do the teeth pantomine thing until they found the right tooth. People do that to me all the time -- I'm always eating spinach - it's my favorite veggie.
Sensational Sadie Sexy Senior Sitizen Apr 10, 2008, 1:19pm EDT
Since I would want someone to tell me if I had something stuck in my teeth, I would also quietly let someone else know about this.
Laura Cushing Apr 10, 2008, 1:31pm EDT
Ask them if they've done any gardening lately... then tell them their teeth have.
April H. Apr 10, 2008, 2:04pm EDT
I flat out tell people.
How embarassing to have someone else see it! I;d rather save them. I'd want someone to tell me. I mean, it happens to everyone (that eats spinach).
April H. Apr 10, 2008, 2:07pm EDT
The best way to point out these potentially embarrassing situations is to do it privately. If you're in a social situation, move the person away from the crowd so nobody else can hear. Also, lessen the blow by telling them it's happened to you.
Rita j. Apr 10, 2008, 2:21pm EDT
Yes I would tell my friend and hope she would tell me so I wouldn't work around smiling in people face with something in my teeth
Wendy W. Apr 10, 2008, 2:23pm EDT
Yes ... I always tell people when they have something in their teeth!! I try to do it as discreetly (and quickly) as possible. I would hope someone would do the same for me ... I had a poppy seed on my front tooth all morning once and was so upset that no one said anything.
Connie C. Apr 10, 2008, 2:57pm EDT
I am known for my honesty. LOL My youngest daughter tells everyone if they don't want the truth, don't ask mom. LOL

I would simply tell them and then direct the conversation to another subject quickly so the embarrassing moment is short.
Nana to Seven Cutiepies Apr 10, 2008, 3:00pm EDT
I don't see anything wrong with telling someone they have food in their teeth as long as it is done privately. I would want someone to tell me and always treat people as I would like to be treated. Most people are greatful to be told.
Jo C. Apr 10, 2008, 3:13pm EDT
I would mention it but out of earshot of other people. There is no shame in getting food stuck in one's teeth and certainly more desirable than walking out of a restroom with a piece of toilet paper stuck to one's foot (yes, I saw someone do that once).

Food stuck in one's teeth? Could be worse, lol.
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Apr 10, 2008, 3:46pm EDT
I would tell them it depends on who it is on how I would tell them
Luna Rushdi Apr 10, 2008, 4:58pm EDT
It depends on how close I am to a person, if it's a close friend or family member, I would just tell them straight out, if it is just someone I know.. I would make sure they notice me trying to clean my teeth a few times. Usually if you draw attention to a particular part of your body, people take notice and try to make sure they are ok as well..
Richard Frisbie Apr 10, 2008, 5:19pm EDT
You've got to tell them. They'll find out anyway and wonder why you didn't mention it - so do it!
Now I can read the comments to see what everyone else said while I wait in Air France lounge for my flight to be called.
Mary M. Apr 10, 2008, 5:22pm EDT
Yep, I'd do it -- I might just start out quietly getting their attention and then motion by showing my teeth and pointing though.
Nancy 67 Apr 12, 2008, 2:04pm EDT
I would take the person aside and very quietly tell them that they might want to check their teeth as there's some spinach in them. Heaven knows, if I had spinach or - whatever - in my teeth, I would hope some kind person would quietly let me know so I could take care of it, and not spend the rest of that day smiling and flashing my pearly "whites-and-greens"! ;-D
Paula C. Mar 13, 2009, 9:56pm EDT
Good evening. I am the pot of gold fairy. Dropping by to leave you some good luck, comments and raise your points level just little so that we can all reach our goal faster! Happy Friday the 13th!

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