Healthy, fresh breath is part of being beautiful

I doubt a single reader will argue when I suggest part of being fresh and beautiful is maintaining healthy, fresh breath.

We all try to keep well-hydrated in hot weather. It optimises our cells and allows the body to eliminate toxins and perspire.

Most of us brush our teeth twice a day and probably do not dwell over toothpaste or mouthwash ingredients.

Why would you not trust the local chemist, when you have grown up on the zing appeal of high-street brands?

I have ranted about the surfactant (foaming agent) sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) before on these pages.

The bad news is that it is not just in bubble bath or shampoo. It also foams around your mouth and gums with everyday toothpaste products.

I could get into the fluoridation debate here, too. But SLS is the lesser-known evil - and, anyway, you can still enjoy a natural product that has added fluoride in, if you want to.

I am no dentist, but quick and easy alternative advice for anyone suffering with ulcers or tender gums who do not have a pre-existing medical condition is to try an SLS-free product for a spell, to see if you notice any relief.

The mouth is a sensitive area and can be painful for children.

SLS is known to dissolve proteins and has been shown to cause damage to oral tissues. SLS has also been linked to conditions such as gingivitis, receding gums, and recurrent mouth ulcers.

There are plenty of lovely, natural brands that avoid harsh chemical ingredients. Triclosan, artificial colours and flavours are among the other chemicals to swerve if you possibly can.

Personally, I would never have expected to go for the subtlety of a fennel flavour, or anything less than a turbo-strength alcohol mouthwash before a hot date. Yet a clean aromatic taste is more mellow and less obvious, particularly as electric toothbrushes give a superb clean.

I prefer to focus on getting around the nooks and crannies than ducking a sore spot.