Oral health charity backs No Smoking Day

The UK's leading mouth cancer charity has urged the UK public to kick their smoking habit and cut the risk of cancer ahead of next Wednesday's No Smoking Day campaign.

The British Dental Health Foundation, who have previously worked alongside the No Smoking Day team to produce a dental health campaign guide, will again use this opportunity to encourage smokers in their resolve to quit.

Numerous calls from across the UK to the National Dental Helpline (0845 063 1188) for oral health advice have already been generated, alongside enquiries to the www.dentalhelpline.org website.

Last year's No Smoking Day campaign saw one in 10 smokers, around 900,000 people, kick the habit, and Foundation chief executive Dr. Nigel Carter said: 'Research shows that more than two out of three smokers would like to give up altogether, and it is great that so many use this opportunity to quit the habit. There is proof that people who get smoking cessation support stand a better chance of giving up.'

Dr Carter added: 'Most people are now aware that smoking presents a very real danger to our health. With so many concerns surrounding its damaging effects, the Foundation recognises the importance of this year's No Smoking Day, and wholeheartedly supports the campaign.'

While smoking can cause lung and throat cancer, what many people remain unaware of is the damage it does to their mouth, gums and teeth.

The Foundation runs the Mouth Cancer Action Month campaign each November in the UK.

The charity believes the dental profession is in a unique position to warn patients of the risks and consequences of smoking.

Advice on oral care is available from the Foundation's Dental Helpline, which is run by a qualified dental team who provide free, independent advice on all aspects of oral health and dentistry. The Helpline are available to take your call on any oral health issue between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday on 0845 063 1188.

Free ‘Tell Me About..' information leaflets on smoking, gum disease and mouth cancer are available on request from the National Dental Helpline team.

For smoking cessation support, patients can also contact the NHS Stop Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0169, or visit www.nosmokingday.org.uk.