Cosmetic dentistry could be the only medical care needed by mouth cancer sufferers as a new breakthrough in technology has been announced.
Scientists have used an engineered form of the herpes virus to provide relief to patients and found that it causes tumours to shrink.
Further trials will now be carried out to prevent more people from succumbing to the condition, which has a higher mortality rate than cervical and testicular cancers combined.
According to the British Dental Health Foundation, one person dies from mouth cancer every five hours and chief executive Dr Nigel Carter said it was important that the public were informed about disease.
“This study is very positive news. Mouth cancer is a devastating disease and an increasing number of people are being affected,” he added, explaining that early diagnosis increases survival rates from five in ten to nine in ten people.
Dr Carter advised anyone who thinks they may have mouth cancer to see a dentist as a matter of urgency.