There are many things in life that we're told are bad for us - drinking too much, eating too much, texting exes when we're out pissed - only for us to completely ignore the advice, figuring it'll all be alright in the end.

The dad of three had been living on a diet of bland, soft food like Weetabix, soup and yoghurt, as the pain was too much to eat proper meals.

As well as the pain, his teeth also looked so bad that Michael was even being refused entry into pubs - just imagine.

He admitted that the reason he didn't get them checked out sooner wan't just because he worried he'd be made to stop the fizzy binging, but also because he simply didn't have the money.

"I knew if I went to a dentist that I'd have to stop drinking fizzy drinks and I didn't want to do that before," he told the paper.

"I also knew that all my teeth would have to come out and I couldn't afford that financially."

"I knew Michael through water polo but didn't know him well enough to talk to him about his teeth," David said.

"It was only during a car-share trip to Galway that the subject came up and I told Michael to come and see me for a proper consultation.

"I knew his teeth meant a serious threat to his health. He couldn't chew his food properly, he couldn't bite into a sandwich like most people and he was in pain every day."

David and his colleagues surgically removed all 27 teeth - in one sitting - assuring Michael that he wouldn't have to worry about the cost.

"I was two hours in the chair under local anesthetic. It was uncomfortable but not that painful. I've been walking around in constant pain for ten years, so this was nothing," Michael said.

David then gave him dentures, giving Michael's gums time to heal before April, when he'll get twelve implants inserted into his jawbone for more of a permanent solution.