Do you think it's rude to tell someone they have something in their teeth?

Question

Maybe like lipstick? It's a hard call to make, because if I were the one with lipstick, or something, on my teeth, I'd want someone to tell me, but I'd feel really awkward about telling another person that, because, no matter what I did or didn't do, it would seem they'd be destined to be embarrassed either way, by me or the mirror, one.

Answer 1

well maybe they will feel embarrassed but when it comes to my friends i always tell them the truth. and i would want them to do the same for me. besides i would rather have them embarass me then someone i dont even know!!

Answer 2

im always one to say something! usually on the quiet though with a wink and a point..if the shoe was on the other foot id hope to heaven someone would tell me!!

Answer 3

It's not rude at all. Tell the person discreetly and quietly. I've done it that way or by signalling them. I also hate it when someone forgets to zip up after using the restroom and no one tells the person, discreetly of course, "hey xyz" or "xyz, pdq". It's not rude and it saves embarrassment.

Answer 4

haha yeah i know what you mean. You don't wanna be embarrassed and you don't wanna embarrass them. Kinda tricky..lol. I guess it all depends on how cool you are with that person. If they are a good friend then yeah sure tell them..as a matter of fact make a joke out of it..lol but, if its some random person yeah you might wanna just let it be. It would probably be awkward. If you think they would be ok with it though maybe you could just whisper it in their ear.  

Answer 5

no its not rude its consideration, and the awkwardness is on them not you.

Answer 6

My thoughts exactly but it's better to tell them.

Picture this, ur out with ur friend, she has lipstick on her teeth, u choose to ignore it and then someone you both know shows up and she goes on ahead and tells your friend about the lipstick-on-her-teeth thing, dont you think you'll look bad for not telling! So just tell, she'll be embarassed for like 30 secs then everything goes back to normal!

Answer 7

Jenni, you are absolutely correct.  I guess the best way is just to gently tell them.  Do it in a very simple way, do not make a big deal of it, and then tell them that if it were you, you would want to be told.

I believe that one way to avoid any problems like this is when you are with your friends, ask them what they think.  Bring the question up in a group, and that way, you will have an idea about how each person feels.

If the person is a stranger, or a new acquaintance, then the situation is more challenging.  However, I believe that there are practically no people who would prefer to have something in their teeth, or some other slight problem.

Let me share a silly story with you about my husband.  When we were first married, I had long hair, and I frequently wore it up, especially if I was going out, or for meetings, etc.  I usually placed a couple of large clips in the back of my hair while I bathed, to keep it from falling down, and then when I was ready to go, I sprayed it, and removed the clips.  One particular night, my daughter spilled an entire bottle of grape juice on the carpet, and when I was done cleaning that up, (I had already bathed), we were a little bit late, and so I was hurrying to get out of the house on time.  I got my shoes on, my coat, and was out the door.

It just so happened that this was a dinner honoring me for some community work that I had done.  I was extremely flattered, and in fact, I was asked to speak a little bit.  So I had to rise and go up and speak to the room of about 150 people.  All in all, it was a terrific night, and I had a wonderful time.  When we got home, I went in to brush my teeth, remove my makeup, (take the pins out of my hair) and get ready for bed.  To my horror, as I was removing the pins from my hair I found the large (unattractive) clips.  I was horrified, and I asked my husband why he had not reminded me that I needed to take them out?  He said, I thought you wanted them there?  Needless-to-say, it has become a bit of a family joke.  And despite the fact that my hair is now short, as I leave the house he always reminds me to take out the clips!    It is funny now, but it was horrifying when I found out that long ago night.  So I guess the moral of the story is, it is always best to ask!

Answer 8

I'd tell them. I'd want it told to me! Just say, "You, umm, have something...." then gesture towards your teeth. Everyone you do this to will be a combination of embarassed, but more grateful than anything! Then they smile again and ask you "Did I get it?" It's funny, but so wonderfully human!

What's better is when they leave their zipper open. Then you get to say, "Hey! You left the barn door open! C'mon, this is a family show!" haha

Answer 9

That is absolutely fine.. to tell a co worker.. ''x*x call her by her name.. and say.. excuse me.. you do have some lipstick on your teeth... or you do have something between your teeth..  Looks like a bit of spinach leaf from lunch just now.. and smile and say.. I thought it's better I tell you than others notice it when you talk.. and the person male .. with the spinach or female with the lipstick will be grateful.. if one person sees that it's not so bad but if a lot of people see that... I much would prefer to be told also and it's the same with them.. or the woman who got her period and has a red mark on her trousers.. she will want to know.. then she can find a bathroom quickly and hopefully also get some tampons there.. and maybe put a scarf around.. or wash it out.. rather than have to walk outside and thousands of people see that stain getting bigger.. xx

Answer 10

Not at all, especially if it's your friend. You don't want them to be embarrassed when they find out themselves. They might also thank you for it.  

Answer 11

If told quietly..it's fine.  Never do it in front of others.

Answer 12

I think its polite to tell them they have something in their teeth. Otherwise they walk  around like an idiot

Answer 13

Depends on how close you are to them.  If you're really close, then I would say something.  If you're semi-close I would pull them aside.  If you're not close...well, I would leave the room and laugh.  lol  ...Really, don't know what I would do if a stranger came up to me with stuff in his beard/teeth.  

Answer 14

Better to tell them and have a laugh, and perhaps tell them the story about the time when you left the public washroom with toilet paper stuck to the bottom of your shoe, or when you tucked the back of your skirt into your panties and walked home.

You'll make a friend.