American actor Michael Douglas was once quoted as blaming his throat cancer on oral sex. While his publicist has retracted the statement, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) has its own battle to wage against oral sex for its adverse impact on dental hygiene.

Peter Alldritt, chairman of the ADA's Oral Health Committee, warned Aussies on Monday that they could lose their teeth by the age of 30 if they are afflicted with oral cancer.

He compared the effect of oral sex on a person's dental hygiene to smoking or drinking. Mr Alldritt explained that the human papilloma virus (HPV) is aided in entering a person's body because of oral sex.

He issued the warning as Australia observes Dental Health week from Aug 5 to 11.

"Whatever you put in your mouth or do with your mouth, do so responsibly, in moderation and with the appropriate precautions," Mr Alldritt explained.

He disclosed that over 25 per cent of Aussies diagnosed with oral cancer is because the patient contracted the human papilloma virus via oral sex.

As part of the ADA's bigger push for dental health, it released the Young Person's Oral Survival Guide that provides tips such as leaving a toothbrush on the pillow as a reminder to clean your teeth before sleeping, using a straw to drink sports drinks and getting inoculated for the HPV.

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