Young people should be careful about what they put in their mouth, say dentists concerned about the dangers of sex, drugs and piercings.
The Australian Dental Association has released a Young Persons Oral Survival Guide to mark dental health week.
One of the main concerns is the danger of cancer and other diseases.
"Whatever you put in your mouth or do with your mouth, do so responsibly, in moderation and with the appropriate precautions," says the association's Dr Peter Alldritt.
"Understandably health issues such as cancer, let alone oral cancer, are not at the forefront of young adult concerns."
He says many people don't know binge drinking and unprotected oral sex can cause throat cancer.
They also don't realise how dangerous it is not to take care of lip and tongue piercings or the oral risks of taking drugs.
The guide outlines ways in which young adults can reduce risk but still have fun, he says.
