How do you politely ask someone to quit sucking their teeth?

Question

I have a coworker who constantly sucks his teeth. It sounds like he is kissing someone. Anyway, it is highly annoying however, I do not want to offend them or have them think i'm being difficult. If faced with this situation, how would you handle it?

Answer 1

With a smile:

I'm sorry.  Would you mind stop doing that?  I find it very distracting.

Answer 2

you can ask him, but don't expect him not to be offended. It is probably an unconscious habit.

Answer 3

Tell him that sucking on his teeth is actually not a good idea, tell him if he keeps doing it he may end up with a deformity.  And then give him some tips as to how he can overcome this terrible habit.

Answer 4

"Bob, you're probably not aware of it, but you constantly suck your teeth and it is most annoying. Would you please try to stop it?"

Answer 5

Just ask him why does he do that, and does he have to do it, because it sounds nasty...I can't stand a grown Man that SMACKS! while eating, its like stop it all ready.

Answer 6

The best advice I can give is use humor, next time they do it, just kind of laugh and say oh my God, you are making me crazy. I mean be humorous about it, not mean. I work with someone who is always sucking their snot back in their nose, and it's a woman!!! It's so gross sounding.  

Answer 7

He probably doesn't even realize he's doing it. Talk to him in private and ask him in a nice way. Say it's just one of those things that gets under your skin and you're not sure why and would he mind trying not to do it around you.  

Answer 8

Try being honest, but not blunt.

Answer 9

If you value your life-knock it  off

Answer 10

Just say something like, "Please stop sucking your teeth. No offense or anything, but it is annoying. I am trying to say this in the most polite way."

Answer 11

Tell them "you can use floss you know".