Keith Duffy explores Ireland’s changing relationship with teeth in documentary

Boyzone star Keith Duffy said exploring the history of dentistry in Ireland for a new documentary was both “shocking and scary”.

The Dublin-born singer, 48, sets out to understand Ireland’s fast-changing relationship with their teeth – from dentures as wedding presents to veneers – and the reasons behind the dental boom.

Keith’s Teeth: A Dental Odyssey will see the star uncover “shockingly tragic” stories from Ireland’s dental past, while also meeting those travelling to Turkey “in the hope of reversing years of dental neglect through enticingly affordable cosmetic dentistry packages”, broadcaster RTE said.

Duffy said: “It was a real eye opener and educational experience working on this programme. The history of dentistry in Ireland is both shocking and scary.

“We’ve gone from a nation that neglected our teeth to a nation of cosmetic dentistry addicts in barely two generations.”

The documentary will see Duffy navigate the past and present of Ireland’s dental landscape, “uncovering the hidden stories and raising questions about the consequences of our pursuit of the perfect smile”, RTE said.

Duffy rose to prominence as a member of Irish boyband Boyzone, alongside Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham, Shane Lynch and the late Stephen Gately, after being put together by former X Factor judge Louis Walsh in 1993.

The band sold millions of albums and released hit singles including Words, A Different Beat and No Matter What.

After Gately’s death, the group continued as a four-piece and released farewell album Thank You & Goodnight in 2018 featuring a reworking of a demo Gateley recorded in 2002 featuring his vocals.

Duffy also formed “supergroup” Boyzlife with Brian McFadden of Westlife.

Keith’s Teeth: A Dental Odyssey will air on RTE One at 9.35pm on September 27.