Tips on dental health.
Don't smoke:three-quarters of oral cancers are directly caused by smoking. About 400 people a year develop cancer in Ireland, two-thirds of them men.
Visit the dentist:Go regularly for preventative oral healthcare. "It's important to develop a relationship with your dentist so that they can advise how often you should be attending," says Dr Walsh. "We are pushing towards once a year now with a session with a hygienist in between to have teeth cleaned."
Regular visits are also vitally important for oral cancer screening, according to Walsh, particularly for those who smoke and drink alcohol.
Use a soft or medium-bristled toothbrush:Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes in each session. Gently move the brush in a circular motion using short, gentle strokes. "Two minutes is a lot longer than you would think," says Dr O'Reilly. "In studies, the average duration of brushing is 37 seconds."
If the bristles on your toothbrush are bent or frayed, buy a new one. Replace your toothbrush every three months or after you've been sick.
Fluoride toothpaste:Most dentists recommend a toothpaste with fluoride. This can reduce tooth decay by as much as 40 per cent.
Flossing:Gently insert floss between teeth using a back-and-forth motion. Do not force the floss or snap it into place.
Walsh recommends flossing once a day, preferably at night, and she also recommends interdental toothbrushes as an alternative to flossing.