Talking about an ex and getting too drunk are major dating no-no's, survey finds

The biggest dating turn-offs include excessive phone use during a date, chewing loudly - and bad breath, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 adults actively dating found smoking, bad dress sense, and arriving late were also featured highly in the list of top 40 turn offs.

Over two thirds (64%) admitted they wouldn't date someone with poor oral hygiene. 14% would get the ick if their date had food stuck in their teeth - but a polite 70% would at least tell them about it.

Rosemarie Maka, Oral Healthcare expert for Philips Sonicare, which commissioned the research, said: "We all know how important it is to make a good first impression, but there's even more pressure on this when it comes to dating.

"As the saying goes, the trouble with [impressions] is that you only get to make one, and if you blow it, it's hard to come back from."

Nearly three in 10 (29%) believe first impressions have a huge impact on the rest of the date.

With that said, other top dating no-no's include talking too much about an ex (52%), interrupting conversations (49%) and swearing too much (36%). And a staggering 92% would be turned off if their date got too drunk and started slurring their words.

As many as 25% believe they've been 'catfished' - and turned up on a date to find the person looked totally different from their pictures.

Yet, a quarter consider appearance to matter 'a great deal' - with 18 to 24-year-olds - most likely to feel this way.

Two thirds admitted that if their date showed signs of even one turnoff the first time they met, they'd be unlikely to meet up with them again. With 30% having ditched a date early because they behaved in a totally ick-worthy manner.

But some of these icks are possible to overcome, with 38% admitting they'd let it slide if someone arrived late, and another third would give their date the benefit of the doubt if they turned up in un-ironed clothes.

However, only a mere 10% would go for another date with somebody who turned up with bad breath.

Presenter, social media personality and 'Saving Grace' podcaster GK Barry said: "It's essential to always do a last-minute breath check and make sure you don't have anything stuck in your teeth before a date."

"My teeth looked pearl white before my first date with 'Eyelashes', and arguably that's how I got her."

Rosemarie Maka, added: "Making a positive first impression is so much about how you feel rather than how you look.

"When you feel fresh and confident you're so much more likely to be able to relax and show your best self and one very easy way to help do that is with an effective toothbrush pre-date."