News & media News Stubbed out! MPs finally extinguish tobacco packaging 11 April 2015 The British Dental Health Foundation is delighted that MPs have voted to introduce standardised packaging of tobacco in England. In a free vote in Commons 367 MPs voted yes to only 113 no's, a huge majority and a significant step towards vast health improvements in England. The move will also hopefully bring about improvements in oral health and a reduction in the number of mouth cancer cases, and Ken Lavery, Consultant in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Trustee of the British Dental Health Foundation, praised the decision. He said: "I am delighted that standardised packaging will now become law in May next year. We have often criticised the government on its lack of movement on the issue, but this is a real win and one we can be very proud of. "There was a concern that the government would continue to drag its feet over the decision, but after lobbying the government to review the evidence available common sense has prevailed. "Smoking can cause a variety of oral health problems including tooth staining, dental plaque, bad breath, tooth loss and gum disease. Of more concern is the significant risk of developing life-threatening diseases such as lung disease and mouth cancer. "Tobacco remains the largest risk factor for mouth cancer, a disease that has increased dramatically in the last decade. Last numbers show there are more than 6,500 cases and 2,000 deaths each year from the disease. This announcement is a significant and large step in the right direction to start reducing those figures." Manage Cookie Preferences