Isn't it about time we put an end to the unnecessary torture suffered by millions of unwitting people who have sensitive gums? Should we not start calling crusty bread what it really is - gum-shredding bread product? Enough is enough. Our gums deserve better. Let the French rip their gums to shreds with their fancy baguettes. Let the middle classes destroy their gums on their poncey organic oregano-infused pain rustiques that they've paid over the odds for at an artisan bakery with a pun in its name. But let the average Joe and Jane not suffer anymore.