'Spit test' helps smokers quit

The test measures the amount of nicotine in smoke

Smokers are being encouraged to kick the habit by testing the amount of nicotine in their spit.

Scientists have developed a kit which shows levels of the chemical in saliva.

The doctors then tell smokers about how nicotine can spread disease in the mouth - including gum infections which can lead to tooth loss.

Results show that many of those taking part in the trials of the SmokeScreen test go on to quit the habit.

The test was developed at Birmingham University

The test has been developed by Dr Graham Cope, Professor Iain Chapple and Dr Kit Barnfather from the University of Birmingham.

They say SmokeScreen will play an important part in helping smokers quit the habit.

In a study involving 100 people, the 50 who were told the results of their SmokeScreen saliva test were able to "significantly reduce" their habit more after being shown the damage smoking was doing to their teeth and mouth.

Dr Cope, says the test has been designed to help smokers and doctors.

He said: "We want to give people more information to increase awareness about what smoking is doing to their health.

"This quick test provides feedback for them to monitor how well they are reducing smoking."

The team believes more can be done to promote oral cancer screening in general dental practice.

Dr Barnfather said: "When patients visit for their twice yearly check-ups, the dentist is in the strongest position to target smokers and offer practical advice on how to give up."