The introduction of a ban on cigarette machines has been heralded as a boost to oral health in the UK by the British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF).

Members of Parliament recently voted to instigate a ban on the machines in the hope it will help to reduce the likelihood of children gaining access to cigarettes, as well as discouraging those who already smoke.

In addition, the BDHF noted a reduction in smoking levels would have a positive impact on mouth cancer rates in the UK, as recent research revealed there is one death every five hours attributed to this disease.

Meanwhile, a dentist in Weston-super-Mare is offering free mouth cancer screenings to patients in November as part of Mouth Cancer Awareness Month.

Twenty 2 Dental, on Milton Road, noted anyone wishing to have a check-up can come along for a free screening – and they do not have to a registered patient at the clinic.