In the South, MOST restaurants have a toothpick dispenser at the cash register...Lord have mercy! My beloved Cracker Barrel has the silver roll-out dispenser right next to the free mints:)
All of us have found ourselves in the situation of either having food stuck in our own teeth, or noticing food in the teeth of others.
Is it okay to let someone know they have food stuck in their teeth? Yes, of course you should tell someone! People deserve to know--wouldn't YOU want to know? It's an awkward and a tricky situation. You should be discreet and sensitive. If you are at the table and you notice your dining partner has food in their teeth, you can either tell them or motion with your fingers by tapping toward your own tooth. Hopefully, they will excuse themselves from the table and handle the situation in the restroom.
Is it ever okay to use a toothpick at the table! It is inappropriate to use a toothpick in public, especially at the table!!!
If you absolutely must use a toothpick or dental floss, excuse yourself from the table and go to the restroom.
Never, evah use your fingers to dislodge food from your teeth. Don't sit at the table swirling your tongue back and forth to try to dislodge food from your teeth either!
It doesn't matter how pretty your clothes look, how great your hairdo is, or how fabulous your figure is, if you are using a toothpick in public...you will look tacky!!!
Y'all have a wonderful day:)
