Although Ireland used to have a much higher level of dental health than the UK and Northern Ireland, our standards are now considerably lower, according to Dr Helen Whelton, director of Oral Health Services Research Centre in University College Cork (UCC).

"Twenty years ago, we were much better than the UK, but they have clearly invested in promoting oral health where we have not, " she said. "We have simply been relying on the fact that our water is fluoridated, but that isn't enough on its own.

In fact, if there wasn't any fluoride in our water, we would be in serious trouble."

At the moment, 75% of Irish children suffer tooth decay in their permanent teeth by the age of 15. The main problem is the high intake of sugar in children's diets, which has also led to an increase in obesity levels in recent years.

"There is a lot more snacking going on than previously and tooth decay arises, not from how much sugar you eat, but how frequently you eat it, " said Whelton. "When you think of Irish children's diets, starting with the sugary cereal they have for breakfast, it's easy to see how big a part sugar plays."

Tooth-brushing is another issue. In a national survey taken 20 years ago, 51% of Irish children brushed their teeth twice a day, compared with 58% of British children.

Now, 81% of British children brush their teeth at least twice a day, while just 58% of Irish children do.

"We are now where they were 20 years ago, and we need to look at what they did, " said Whelton. "They had extensive healthy lunchbox campaigns and they have made a huge difference.

"The culture in this country needs to be changed for general and oral problems with obesity and tooth decay.

And that means actively working to reduce the sugar intake amongst children."