There is a show on television I enjoy watching -- it is part of a series put on by NBC Primetime called "What Would You Do?". The show uses actors to portray various scenarios that are very realistic; things that we all could imagine, know of or may have actually experienced. We then watch as the public happens by and watch what they do, or don't do, in response to these (staged) situations.
There was a particular scenario recently that caught my attention. The clerk behind the counter had a HUGE piece of green gunk stuck prominently on a front tooth. The question was, would anyone tell him about it?
As the scene went on, some did, some didn't. Some used mirroring type actions -- swiping their tongues across their own teeth, as if hoping the clerk would realize that he had a problem. It was interesting to see that regardless of their action, each person did respond in one way or another.
So what would you do?
Quietly alerting someone to the fact that they have something stuck in their teeth is a courtesy as it is a problem the person can easily remedy.
At some point, this person may realize it of their own accord and will then suffer through the thoughts of "how long was this there and how many people saw it" -- which can cause all sorts of unneeded anxiety and embarrassment, depending on the situation.
If you are the one with something stuck in your teeth, excuse yourself to the restroom and take care of it privately. While we all appreciate good dental hygiene, no one is interested in seeing it in action.
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Remember...
The key to informing the person without causing additional embarrassment or drawing the attention of others is to be discreet.
Often times nonverbal communication may be an effective way to resolve the matter: make eye contact, tap your teeth, touch your face where the stray piece of food is located and then continue with the conversation as if nothing has happened. At other times, a quiet "Pardon me, you have something in your teeth" is all that is necessary.
Etiquette is about showing courtesy and respect to others; saving a person from future embarrassment certainly fits in with this concept.
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