Smokers are being urged to take a bite at improving their oral health by stubbing out cigarettes next month.

Staff in the special care dental service at Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust are encouraging smokers to quit as part of the national Stoptober campaign.

Research has shown that those who manage to stop during the 31-day challenge are more likely to give up for good.

Last year, about 4,500 people across Hertfordshire stubbed out cigarettes for Stoptober putting the county in the top five nationally for numbers taking part.

Sue Life, senior dental officer, is fully supporting the campaign.

She said: “The most common effects from smoking that we see are stained teeth and gum disease. In a few cases we have also detected signs of mouth cancer and referred patients on for further tests.

“We ask every patient we see is they smoke and encourage those that do to use intervention services available to help them quit.

“There are other effects which smoking can have on the mouth such as bad breath, sense of taste may be altered, poor healing following extractions and a higher chance of developing an infection.

“No-one wants an unhealthy smile but it is down to each individual to look after their oral health and be wise about the risks of smoking.”