Sean Spicer skipped one vital step in his preparation to face journalists on Monday - a quick glance in the mirror.

When he attended the latest White House press briefing with a piece of lettuce lodged between his teeth, it was quickly pointed out on social media.

Jim Carrey joked, “The rotting food in @PresSec Sean Spicer’s teeth is distracting and makes it hard to absorb today’s WH misinformation.”

Some users hoped that Melissa McCarthy would include the leftover lunch as inspiration for her next Saturday Night Live skit, while others on twitter reverted to puns such as "lettuce be clear".

Mr Spicer’s latest gaffe is unlikely to go down well with the President, who reportedly told his Press Secretary after his first briefing to sharpen up his appearance and lower the podium to improve visuals.

Mr Spicer has since gone into the room with a pin of the American flag turned upside down, was mocked for the amount of chewing gum he reportedly swallows during a working day, and has called out reporters' names during the briefing who were not present.

His first day on the job just two months ago did not go down well.

He launched into an angry tirade about journalists’ reporting of the crowd size at the Inauguration and did not take any questions before storming out of the room.

Since 23 January, he has often taken a lighter note with the press, cracking jokes and smiling.

But he has regardless come under fire for defending the President’s controversial policies or actions.